This is my go-to recipe for marinated beets. The beets are sweet and tangy, made with a simple vinaigrette. They’re a perfect component for adding to grain bowls or salads, and they also make a nice side dish.
Memorial Day weekend came and went, and June is only a few days away. We’re now officially entering picnic season.
In my mind, picnic season doesn’t only describe literal picnics, though those are certainly a summertime delight.
Picnic season is also a time of year for hodgepodge meals. You know the kind: lunches and suppers made up of cold grain or bean salads, maybe leftover slaws or salads, or some pickled or marinated things. With good toast or pita to scoop it all up.
Picnic meals can be a little random, but that’s sort of what makes them lovable: it’s the freewheeling, easygoing energy of summer, served up on the table.
These marinated beets are a perfect component for picnic meals. And if that’s not how you intend to enjoy them, you’ll probably be able to find plenty of other uses for them.
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What type of beets should I use?
You can use red, golden, Chioggia (striped), or baby beets to make this recipe. I usually use red or golden.
What to do with marinated beets
Adding a big scoop of these beets to your next vegan lunch bowl is never a bad idea.
Throwing them into a big, summery salad for extra texture and flavor is also a good bet.
I love creating an easy pita pocket with the beets, some chopped avocado, chickpeas or white beans, and a big handful of peppery arugula.
You can also create a stellar crostini or toast situation with a layer of cashew cheese, topped with marinated beets.
The beets even make a nice addition to cold pasta salads (speaking of picnic season).
Or, you can just scoop up the beets with some toast points or crackers, as a nice little snack. No need to be fancy about it.
5 WAYS TO MAKE BEETS TASTE GOOD | SCCASTANEDA
How do you make beets taste better?
From roasting and grilling to adding spices and glazes, there are many ways to elevate the flavor of beets. Pairing them with acidic, sweet, and salty ingredients, as well as various spices, can alter your perception of the humble vegetable for the better.
Does beet powder work like the root vegetable?
Both beetroot and beetroot powder, contain the same amounts of nutrients and nitrates. However, beetroot powder comes with a few added benefits that might make it a better choice for health enthusiasts and is lower in sugar. Although, it is always better to consume fresh vegetables and fruits.
What is a good flavor for beets?
Kosher salt and black pepper enhance the flavor. Aleppo pepper adds a very mild kick. Apple Cider Vinaigrette is zippy and peppery, which balances the earthy sweetness of beets. Labneh is a thick strained yogurt that gives the beets a delicious creamy tang.
Do you add seasoning to boiled beets?
The idea is to add some seasoning to the water in which the beets are boiled or steamed, which will help infuse the beets with additional flavor and reduce any unpleasant bitterness. Celebrity chefs swear by this method: for example, Geoffrey Zakarian’s simple beets recipe that makes use of this technique has taken Instagram by storm.