How do you feel about beets? Love ‘em or hate ‘em?
From
| July 30, 2010
In Coffee and Convo, Kitchen Basics
Featured Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad with Melted Swiss and Beet Vinaigrette
How do you feel about beets? We suspect that beets are one of those polarizing vegetables that you either love or loathe. President Obama has gone on record as a confirmed beet-hater. Or it could be genetic. Beverly’s husband, his mother and all five of his siblings can’t bear to eat a beet.
However you feel about beets, roasting one is going to magnify your emotions. For a moment, let’s assume you are a beet lover. Roasting them concentrates the sugars, and the sweet results are sublime.
Here’s how to make two cups of roasted beets:
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Take 3 medium beets, and if they have leafy tops, trim them and reserve for another use. Under cool running water, peel and slice the beets into bite-size pieces. (This prevents finger stain.)
Place the sliced beets in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 ½ teaspoons of olive oil. Roast uncovered for 30 minutes or until tender when pierced by a small knife. Remove beets from the oven to cool and serve. Or, roasted beets can used in today’s salad or refrigerated for up to four days.
So, if you’re a beet-lover, try this beet extravaganza and tell us what you think. Or, if you get inspired, you could make your own beet dish and enter the Aunt Nellie's recipe contest. Who knows, maybe you'll win the $2,500! (Deadline to enter is Aug. 13, 2010.)
Finally, we’re also anxious to hear from beet-bashers….why, oh why don’t you like them?
Comments
From Beverly Mills - July 30, 2010
From Ellen in California, via Facebook: "Love pickled beets. Also a great garlic yogurt and beet salad."
From Alicia Ross - July 30, 2010
From Debbie in Charlotte via Facebook: Love um'!
From Alicia Ross - July 30, 2010
From Tina in Charlotte via Facebook: Not a big fan, but will eat them if I have to!
From Liza Bennett - July 30, 2010
We were never served beets when we were kids, because my mother had a very strong, personal aversion to them. Her father had been known as the "Sugar Beet King" of Northern Michigan, running one the largest beet companies in the country, and they kept beets and beet juice in the house at all times. One hot day when my mother was still quite young, she opened the icebox and chugged down a bottle of what she thought was grape juice. But it was actually beet juice — and she became violently ill. That was it for her when it came to beets — and for her children — who were somehow instilled with the same visceral dislike. It's so strong — I'm thinking it might even be genetic. Could that be possible?
From Phyllis Azar - July 31, 2010
Hi Beverly, as the wife of a Gyllenhaal, I can confirm his beet aversion. I, however, love beets! So bring 'em on!
From Ellen - July 31, 2010
I just wrap them in foil to roast them. The peel easily rubs off after they're cooked.
From Beverly Mills - August 01, 2010
Hi Ellen, I've done the foil method too and it does work really well. Thanks for reminding me!
Related Recipes
Roasted Beet Salad with Melted Swiss and Beet Vinaigrette
June 28, 2010
If you like beets, you're going to love this. It's beet heaven.
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What you're saying..
My husband grew up in Michigan and his mother was originally from the hills of Kentucky. I first had Chocolate Gravy one winter when she was visiting. Growing up in the South, too, I was surprised that I had never had it nor even heard about it. Anyway it was rich and delicious and she served it over hot, flaky biscuits.
My husband told me that when he and his cousin were running cross country in high school, before each Saturday race, his mother would make them biscuits and chocolate gravy. Now thanks to Cheap. Fast. Good! I am preparing your version of biscuits and chocolate gravy. Except now instead of heading to a cross country race we will be headed to our son's swim meet. Thanks for helping me carry on a family tradition.
-- Louanne Bisel
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From Beverly Mills - July 30, 2010
From Charles, via Facebook: My mom served something at each meal that tasted bad and unpickled beets that smelled like sweatsocks were on her Mortification list. But in borscht or certain cold salads, great. And if she ever reads this, the look on her face -- priceless!