Monday 21 March 2011

Meat-free Mondays: sweet & sour beetroot

This is one of those dishes where I really want to write about it, because it was delicious, but at the same time it contains some really polarising ingredients and I know a lot of people are going to see this and say "Yuk".

I do understand the beetroot hate. It isn't my favourite thing, although I have an increasing appreciation for it as a fresh vegetable OR as a condiment (but not steeped in vinegar and served as a vegetable). I don't understand the goats cheese haters but I do recognise that those who don't like it REALLY don't like it, and can smell it from the other side of the room.

So, yes, this is a polarising meal. Beetroot & shallots glazed with butter, honey and balsamic (based on the sweet & sour beetroot in Diana Henry's Plenty), topped with a disc of goats cheese and grilled until browned, bubbly and delicious. Paul doesn't like sweet & sour and he doesn't like beetroot, so this was definitely a solo treat.

18 comments:

leaf (the indolent cook) said...

Yeah, I think it's the canned/bottled versions that give beetroot a bad name. The fresh ones are lovely when prepared well. This dish sounds good!

Gemma said...

Well I love beetroot and goats cheese so this looks ideal to me! Plenty has been sitting in my Amazon basket since it came out. Maybe time to buy?

Bettina Douglas said...

That is a winner.
I'm with you on the beetroot front: raw - yes, cooked - yes, just not soaked in nasty vinegar.

I also prefer to be the beetroot cook as the mess is distinctly more contained.

Alicia Foodycat said...

Leafy - occasionally on a hamburger I don't mind canned, but fresh is so much nicer!

Gemma - I love Diana Henry's books. Plenty is definitely worth it.

Mother - I also quite like the red stained hands. It gives me a sense of achievement.

Simona said...

I usually roast red beets. Your solo treat looks nice: I like goat cheese too.

Heather S-G said...

Well, I do love it, though I've neve had it w/ goat cheese...but I know I have to try it now. Loving that combo.

Alicia Foodycat said...

Simona - I love roasted beetroot but I actually find it very difficult to judge when they are cooked!

Heather - you are in for a treat! Beetroot LOVES goats cheese.

kat said...

I'd love this & then my husband would be on the other end of the scale & say ick

Deb in Hawaii said...

I am slowly beginning to appreciate beets--especially when roasted and I do love goat cheese so that would sell me on this dish. ;-)

Joyti said...

I think I'd like beets, but I've never found the right preparation. This version sounds very good, the goat cheese topping is perfect for the sweet earthy beets I'm sure.

Alicia Foodycat said...

Kat - just like Paul! I think Matt & Paul would enjoy eating together.

Deb - it's so sad that so many people have been put of them.

Indie.Tea - thanks for stopping by! The goats cheese is a good way in to the beet love.

mscrankypants said...

Beetroot and goats' cheese is wonderful -- no 'yuk' from me!

pigpigscorner said...

I used to hate beetroot but I kinda like it now, my hubs still hates it though, so I only get to eat it in restaurants.

Alicia Foodycat said...

Cranky - thanks!

Pigpig - One thing my husband does like is a borscht with lots of beef in it. Maybe try that on yours?

Dharm said...

I love all kinds of cheese. Beetroot, not too fond of. I'll eat it but sometimes it gives me a headache. Nonetheless, this does sound good!!

Choclette said...

This looks so delicious and a dish I would very much appreciate. I've always been a fan of beetroot, though never pickled - ick! Sadly, it would be a solo treat for me too.

Alicia Foodycat said...

Dharm - I wonder what is in it that gives you a headache? What a shame!

Choclette - We should form a club of people who eat beetroot alone.

Mary Bergfeld said...

You have used a lovely combination here. I would love this but the Silver Fox would have reservations. Men!!!! Have a great weekend. Blessings...Mary

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