1.3.10 Golden Beet Salsa
When you ask people what their new year goals are, they are in most cases quite grand—run a marathon, learn a new language, travel to India. But me, I aim low, like my 2009 goal of conquering a fear of beets. It took me the better half of the year to grasp the concept of the dirt-smelling vegetable which stains everything in it's path, but I am happy to report that now I not only like beets, I adore them. How many of you can say that about the daily run you gave up after you realized 7 miles was way too long, not to mention 26.2? That's what I thought.
By embracing the power of beets, I have found my new favorite winter snack. That in itself was worth the many rounds of stained fingers to get here. In reality, I have quite a few lofty goals for 2010 that don't involve root vegetables. However, a marathon is not on my list (or a 5k for that matter...), so if any of you do manage those 26.2 miles, consider yourself formally invited over for a post-run dinner. I'll be sticking to what I know best. Which, lucky for you, now includes beets.
I particularly enjoyed the tangy goat cheese here, but if you, like Tommy, are still a bit hesitant about goat cheese, feta is quite delicious as well. Also if you find yourself with a package of pecans, which you swore were walnuts last time you opened the fridge, they are quite interchangeable here. Not that I know anything about that.
Golden Beet Salsa
serves 4-6
4 medium golden beets, stems trimmed to 3/4"
1/2 c walnuts, chopped and toasted (or pecans)
3-4 T finely chopped red onion
juice of 1/2 lemon
1 T olive oil
15-20 crostini
1/4 c crumbled goat cheese (or feta)
Preheat oven to 425F. Wrap beets tightly in foil and roast 1 hour. Carefully unwrap, and when cool, rub off skins with a paper towel and discard. Chop beets into 1/4" cubes and transfer to a mendium bowl. Add walnuts, red onion, lemon juice and olive oil. Stir, until well combined. Spoon onto crostini, and top with crumbled goat cheese.
Reader Comments (22)
This looks really yummie! I do wanna give this a try. :) Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you!
Oh, swoon!
Glad to hear that you conquered this fear, beets are such a delight. I haven't yet worked with the golden variety, goal for 2010 perhaps? That, and India..
love the new site! you go!
love your new layout! This looks fabulous. I am recently obsessed with all things chopped small. So much easier to eat...
I used to hate beets as well but fell in love with them after roasting them. I have some leftover roasted ones from my 10-course New Year's Eve dinner that will be perfect as a snack this afternoon - thanks for the inspiration! (PS never really knew the old site, but love the new one...)
Erin, love, love, love the new redesign!!
Thank you- you are all so sweet!
Hi, Erin! Happy New Year! We're just back from our trip and catching up with you here... Feeling jet-lagged and heart-fuzzy after a sweet Christmas, good to be home and back in blogland. Very much enjoying checking in with your holiday postings and tasty goings on--delish! I love beets--especially roasted! Looking forward to sharing another creative and culinary year with you. Wishing you & yours all the very best of love, peace & joy in 2010! :o)
Erin, your new blog design is AMAZING!!! I love it! So glad I found you this (I mean, LAST) year through blogging. :)
Oh yum! This looks amazing.
that 26 mile goal is a recurring one for me every year. one day, one day. you have managed to make beets look lovely, warm and sweet. that's beyond impressive!
mmmmm....looks so incredibly tasty! Must give it a try!
Love the new look!
In the last few years I have conquered turnips, parsnips, and several other veggies. Beets are my current obstacle. I don't dislike them, I'm just sort of uninspired by them. I have some tiny golden beets that may have to test this recipe out...
great new look and a wonderful post. i love beets! just got over my fear of cooking fresh beets this year. let me know if you get to the "going to India" goal :) happy new year!
Yummy!!! AND I am LOVING your new site!!! Good for you -it looks so amazing and professional. I also think your photographs seem to pop out more!!! Very cool Erin! Happy 2010!
Oh, if only! I try to sneak beets by my husband periodically (especially the golden ones which have a more delicate flavor IMO) but he always sniffs them out. It is such a bummer because that nut/cheese/beet combo is hard to beat. I just have to keep trying!
Wow!
This looks absolutely amazing.
Great job.
I'm inspired to chef this dish up.
Cheer!
I love golden beets... i usually make them with goat cheese but will try with feta
I've always loved beets, even as a kid...from a can. Beets and goat cheese, that's pure lovely.
Love the new blog Erin! And you make beets look delicious, I will have to give this a try!
Yummmmmmmmm I love beets and know I'd love those! Combining them with feta and pecans/walnuts sounds like a delicious snack.
Oh I can't wait to make this! It sounds delicious!