Middle Eastern Roasted Beets
Author Notes: Roasting is my favorite cooking method for beets. With the roasted beets, I love to make all sorts of salads. This one features some of my favorite ingredients of Middle Eastern origin, hence the title. I used homemade preserved lemons, but you are welcome to use those that are store-bought. If you don't have preserved lemon, you can substitute lemon zest. —WinnieAb
Serves 2-3
- 1 bunch beets, trimmed (about 5-6 medium beets)
- olive oil
- course sea salt
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (I prefer sheep/goat milk feta, but cow milk feta is fine)
- 2 teaspoons minced preserved lemon rind (or substitute lemon zest)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Rub the beets all over with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt. Wrap in foil and place in the oven. Roast for 1 hour.
- Remove the beets from the oven and allow them to cool a bit. Under cold running water in the sink, rub the skins off. Pat dry and chop the beets into bite-sized pieces.
- In a medium bowl, mix the chopped beets with the mint and the feta.
- Add the preserved lemon rind, the olive oil, and the pomegranate molasses. Mix well to combine.
- Garnish with additional fresh mint, if desired.
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Beets
More Great Recipes: Side Dishes|Vegetables|Beets
over 1 year ago MaryFrancesCooks
I have my own version of this kind of dish (http://bit.ly/1LANQm1) that I just love. I'll definitely have to try your take on it!
about 6 years ago thirschfeld
I am getting some great fall beets and was just knocking around on the site, looking for gems, and I came across this. Wow, really really good. Having it with Za atar roasted chicken, some birds we raised, and a Paula Wolfert green bean yogurt dish. The house smells wonderful. Something about your recipes, I just see eye to eye with them. Thanks for posting them.
about 6 years ago WinnieAb
I'd completely forgotten about this recipe...that's such a huge compliment, coming from you...thanks ;)
over 6 years ago Oui, Chef
Winnie - This is similar to the recipe I just submitted, but sounds even BETTER. Love the idea of the pomegranate molasses and preserved lemons....yum.
over 6 years ago WinnieAb
No Steve...not better...but thanks so much for saying so!
over 6 years ago ENunn
Winnie: looks beautiful. Mint sends me. I will try this one.
over 6 years ago WinnieAb
Thank Emily. Let me know if you think it's too salty. Was thinking I should lighten up on the feta a bit...
over 6 years ago WinnieAb
Thanks...I think you and I go for a lot of the same flavors!
over 6 years ago TasteFood
Love the flavor combination!