The humble beetroot is a fibrous and sweet anti-inflammatory antioxidant that helps protect against heart disease and cancer. Good for boiling, roasting, and pickling, this winter root keeps well in the fridge, so you can savor it all season long. We find that the optimal texture comes from boiling them first with the skin intact and then peeling them right before roasting. This procedure yields a soft center and caramelized skin. Garlicky tzatziki serves to complement the sugary taste but needs to be prepared the night before to absorb all the flavor. Not to worry, though. It only takes a few minutes to make, and then you simply leave it in the fridge overnight!

~ Recipe compliments of Brooklyn Supper

Recipe

Roasted Beet Wedges with Tzatziki

  • 4 lbs. beets (greens intact)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic

  • 1 hand full fresh dill

Directions

  1. To make tzatziki, whisk together in a medium bowl the yogurt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, green onions, parsley, 1 tablespoon dill, garlic, lime juice, and sherry vinegar. Add a generous sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper. Taste, and add more sea salt or pepper as needed. Cover and refrigerate for several hours, or preferably overnight. Add a pinch of sea salt and/or a squeeze of lime just before serving.

  2. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

  3. Set scrubbed beets in a large pot of cold water and set over high heat. Once water begins to boil, set a timer for 10 minutes. Cook beets for 10 – 12 minutes, or until beets are just fork tender (exact cook time will vary depending on the size of the beets). Run cooked beets under cold water, and either with fingers or a peeler, remove the skins. Trim tops and cut beets into 1/2-inch thick wedges.

  4. In a small bowl, combine the celery seed, paprika, garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon each sea salt and pepper.

  5. Toss the chioggia beets with 1 teaspoon olive oil and half of the spice mixture, and spread on one of the baking sheets. Do the same for the red beets. Slide both baking sheets into the oven and roast for 15 minutes. Flip each wedge, and contine roasting for another 10 – 15 minutes, or until edges are crisp but not at all burnt. I found the red beets cooked more quickly than the chioggias, so keep a close eye.

  6. Toss warm roasted beets with remaining tablespoon dill, and serve immediately with a big dollop of tzatziki.