Roasted Beets with Orange Salsa
Roasted Beets with Orange Salsa
Description
Chef Francis Mallmann's technique of roasting beets in campfire embers enhances their flavor and texture. Beets provide antioxidants, nitrates for heart health, and iron, absorbed better with vitamin C-rich oranges. Olive oil boosts nutrient absorption, while fennel’s quercetin offers antioxidant and antiviral benefits.
NOTE
This recipe is adapted from Green Fire: Extraordinary Ways to Grill Fruits and Vegetables.
Note: The chef suggests pairing this aromatic dish with an avocado and red onion salad and/or a fresh cabbage salad.
Ingredients
4 to 6 SERVES
- 6 (390 g) beets, scrubbed
- 2 oranges
- Juice of 1 lemon
- About 1/4 cup (5 g) dill, finely chopped
- 1 cup (100 g) finely diced fennel bulb
- 1 tsp (4 g) fennel seeds, toasted
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- Coarse salt to taste
Directions
-
Step 1
Build a fire and let it burn down to embers or use charcoal in a grill. Wrap the beets in foil and roast in the embers for about 45 minutes, or until they’re tender all the way through when pierced with a sharp skewer. -
Step 2
If cooking indoors, heat the oven to 375˚F/190˚C. Wrap each beet in foil and roast for an hour or more until they are tender when pierced all the way through with a skewer. The cooking time will depend on the freshness and maturity of the beet. -
Step 3
Toast the fennel seeds in a dry skillet on the stove over medium heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Or toast them in the oven for 7 minutes while the beets are cooking. -
Step 4
Peel the oranges. Cut the segments out over a bowl, saving the juice. Tear the segments into small pieces, and add the dill, fennel, and toasted fennel seeds. Whisk in the olive oil, and season to taste with salt. Slice the beets, dress them with the salsa, and serve.
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About the author
Francis Mallman
The renowned Argentinian chef, restauranteur, author, and media personality is acclaimed for his culinary philosophy and cooking with natural elements like smoke and open fire.
