CLEAN EATING
Cooked every which way, with the tops thrown in for good measure, beetroot is a no-waste autumn favourite.
Beetroot.
As autumn heralds the start of root vegetable season, beetroot becomes a kitchen staple, its earthiness adding heft and brightness to dishes, be it raw, steamed, or roasted. Raw, beetroot is best grated or sliced thinly and tossed into salads – consider pairing it with proteins such as eggs, yoghurt or chicken, or contrast its depth with pear and a sprinkle of sumac. Whole grains will add substance and texture, too.
Roasting might well be the best way to cook beetroot, especially when it caramelises a little around the edges. If you’d prefer to preserve its tenderness, however, steam it, or add a little water to the roasting pan and half-steam, half-roast it. For even less fuss, throw it in skin-on, then peel later. And don’t forget those leafy tops – they’re brilliant stir-fried or braised, so don’t leave them behind.
Beetroot salad with barley and hazelnut
SERVES 4 AS A LIGHT MEAL OR SIDE // PREP TIME 15 MINS // COOK 1 HR (PLUS COOLING)
Roasted beetroot keep well – consider making a double batch to use in salads during the week.
650 gm beetroot (about 3), peeled and halved
80 ml (⅓ cup) extra-virgin olive oil 2 tbsp cider vinegar
130 gm pearl barley
Thick natural yoghurt, to taste 1 baby target beetroot (see note), peeled and thinly sliced raw on a mandolin
½ small red onion, thinly sliced Coarsely chopped roasted hazelnuts, to serve
1 Preheat oven to 200°C.
Toss halved beetroot in 1 tbsp oil in a roasting pan, season to taste and add 60ml water. Cover tightly with foil and roast until tender (45-55 minutes). Cool, then toss with half the vinegar and 1½ tbsp oil.
2 Cook barley in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until tender (20-25 minutes). Drain, then cool. Spread yoghurt on a platter to taste, top with barley, roasted and raw beetroot, onion, hazelnuts and remaining vinegar and oil, season to taste and serve.
Note Baby target, or pink beetroot, is available from select greengrocers (you may need to order ahead).