ROASTED GOLDEN BEET SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE

Beets Recipes

• 2 lbs (1kg) beets, preferably golden or mixed colour (4 large or 8 small)
• 2 tbsp (25ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsp (25 ml) water

DRESSING

• 2 tbsp (25ml) sherry vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15ml) walnut oil
• 2 tbsp (25ml) extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

GARNISHES

• 1/3 (75ml) chopped shallots
• 3 tbsp (45ml) chopped mint
• ½ cup (125ml) walnut pieces
• 4 oz. (125g) goat cheese
• 2 cups (500 ml) baby arugula
• 2 tbsp (25ml) chive oil (or other fresh herb oil), see TIP

1. Preheat oven to 400F(200C)
2. 2 Place beets in a baking dish with olive oil and water. Cover tightly and bake for 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size. Beets should be crisp-tender, not soft. Slip skins off beets and coarsely  grate. If using a mixture of beets, keep colours separate.
3. Combine sherry vinegar, walnut oil and olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle dressing over beets and toss to combine. Stir in shallots, mint and walnut pieces, and sprinkle with goats cheese.
4. Combine beet mixture (if using) just before serving . Divide arugula between 4 salad plates, top each with a pile beet salad and dot chive oil around the plates.

Serves 4

TIP To make chive oil combine ½ cup (125ml) chives with ½ cup (125ml) oil and 2 tbsp (25ml) chopped green onion tops. Bring to simmer on stove. Let sit for 2 hours, then strain. The oil should be a bright green colour.

 Compliments of Food and Drink, LCBO