Beets are a versatile and nutritious root vegetable that can add a burst of flavor and color to a variety of dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, beets are a great ingredient to experiment with. But what goes well with beets? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of beet pairings and explore some delicious and unexpected combinations.
The Flavor Profile of Beets
Before we dive into the world of beet pairings, it’s essential to understand the flavor profile of beets. Beets have a sweet and earthy flavor, with a hint of bitterness. The sweetness of beets is more pronounced when they’re cooked, while the earthy flavor is more noticeable when they’re raw. This unique flavor profile makes beets a great addition to a variety of dishes, from salads and soups to roasted vegetables and desserts.
Classic Beet Pairings
Beets have been a staple ingredient in many cuisines for centuries, and as such, there are many classic pairings that are worth exploring. Here are a few:
- Beets and Goat Cheese: This is a classic combination that’s both simple and delicious. The creaminess of the goat cheese pairs perfectly with the earthy sweetness of the beets.
- Beets and Walnuts: The crunch of the walnuts provides a nice textural contrast to the softness of the beets. This combination is perfect for salads and side dishes.
- Beets and Balsamic Glaze: The sweetness of the balsamic glaze pairs perfectly with the earthy flavor of the beets. This combination is perfect for roasted beets or beet salads.
Beet Pairings for Salads
Beets are a great addition to salads, adding a burst of flavor and color to an otherwise mundane mix of greens. Here are some delicious beet pairings for salads:
Beet and Arugula Salad
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 cup roasted beets, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
This salad is a classic combination of flavors and textures. The peppery flavor of the arugula pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the beets, while the goat cheese adds a tangy creaminess.
Beet and Kale Salad
- 2 cups kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves chopped
- 1 cup roasted beets, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup diced apple
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
This salad is a great combination of flavors and textures. The bitterness of the kale is balanced by the sweetness of the beets and the apple, while the pecans add a nice crunch.
Beet Pairings for Soups
Beets are a great addition to soups, adding a burst of flavor and color to an otherwise mundane bowl of broth. Here are some delicious beet pairings for soups:
Borscht
Borscht is a classic Eastern European soup that’s made with beets, vegetables, and sometimes meat or sausage. The sweetness of the beets pairs perfectly with the sourness of the broth, creating a delicious and comforting soup.
Beet and Ginger Soup
- 2 cups roasted beets, peeled and diced
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon honey
This soup is a delicious and comforting combination of flavors. The sweetness of the beets pairs perfectly with the spiciness of the ginger, while the coconut milk adds a creamy texture.
Beet Pairings for Roasted Vegetables
Beets are a great addition to roasted vegetables, adding a burst of flavor and color to an otherwise mundane mix of vegetables. Here are some delicious beet pairings for roasted vegetables:
Roasted Beets and Carrots
- 2 cups beets, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
This combination is a classic pairing of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the beets pairs perfectly with the earthy sweetness of the carrots, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness.
Roasted Beets and Brussels Sprouts
- 2 cups beets, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
This combination is a delicious and unexpected pairing of flavors. The bitterness of the Brussels sprouts is balanced by the sweetness of the beets, while the balsamic glaze adds a tangy flavor.
Beet Pairings for Desserts
Beets are a great addition to desserts, adding a burst of flavor and color to an otherwise mundane mix of ingredients. Here are some delicious beet pairings for desserts:
Beet and Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups beets, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
This cake is a delicious and unexpected combination of flavors. The earthy sweetness of the beets pairs perfectly with the richness of the chocolate, creating a moist and decadent cake.
Beet and Berry Sorbet
- 2 cups beets, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup mixed berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
This sorbet is a refreshing and delicious combination of flavors. The sweetness of the beets pairs perfectly with the tartness of the berries, creating a sweet and tangy sorbet.
Conclusion
Beets are a versatile and nutritious root vegetable that can add a burst of flavor and color to a variety of dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, beets are a great ingredient to experiment with. From classic pairings like beets and goat cheese to unexpected combinations like beets and chocolate, there are countless ways to enjoy beets. So next time you’re in the kitchen, don’t be afraid to get creative with beets and see what delicious pairings you can come up with!
What are some popular beet pairing options?
Beets can be paired with a variety of ingredients to create delicious and unique flavor combinations. Some popular beet pairing options include goat cheese, walnuts, and arugula, which create a sweet and savory salad. Beets can also be paired with citrus flavors like lemon and orange, which add a bright and tangy note to the dish.
In addition to these classic pairings, beets can also be paired with more unexpected ingredients like chocolate and coffee. The earthy sweetness of beets pairs surprisingly well with the richness of chocolate, while the bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of beets. Experimenting with different pairings can help you find your favorite way to enjoy beets.
How do I choose the right type of beet for my recipe?
When choosing a type of beet for your recipe, consider the flavor and texture you want to achieve. Golden beets are sweeter and milder than red beets, while Chioggia beets have a beautiful white and red striped pattern. Red beets have a more robust flavor and a deeper color, making them a great choice for pickling or roasting.
In addition to the flavor and texture, also consider the size and shape of the beets. Baby beets are great for roasting or sautéing, while larger beets are better suited for pickling or boiling. You can also use a combination of different types of beets to create a colorful and flavorful dish.
Can I use canned beets instead of fresh beets?
While canned beets can be a convenient alternative to fresh beets, they have a softer texture and a blander flavor. Canned beets are often packed in a salty liquid, which can affect the flavor of your dish. However, canned beets can still be a good option if you’re short on time or can’t find fresh beets.
If you do choose to use canned beets, look for ones that are labeled “no salt added” or “low sodium” to minimize the impact on the flavor of your dish. You can also rinse the canned beets with water to remove some of the excess salt. Keep in mind that canned beets will have a softer texture than fresh beets, so they may not hold up as well to certain cooking methods.
How do I cook beets to bring out their natural sweetness?
To bring out the natural sweetness of beets, try roasting them in the oven. Cut the beets into wedges or cubes and toss them with olive oil, salt, and your choice of aromatics like garlic and thyme. Roasting the beets at a high temperature (around 425°F) will caramelize their natural sugars and bring out their sweetness.
You can also try boiling or steaming the beets to cook them, but roasting is generally the best way to bring out their natural sweetness. If you’re boiling or steaming the beets, try adding a tablespoon of sugar or honey to the water to enhance their sweetness. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance out the flavors.
Can I use beet greens in my recipes?
Yes, beet greens are edible and can be used in a variety of recipes. They have a slightly bitter flavor and a soft, delicate texture. Beet greens can be sautéed with garlic and lemon as a side dish, or added to soups and stews for extra nutrition.
Beet greens are also a great addition to salads, where they can add a burst of flavor and color. Simply chop the greens and add them to your favorite salad recipe. You can also use beet greens in place of other leafy greens like kale or spinach in many recipes.
How do I store beets to keep them fresh?
To keep beets fresh, store them in a cool, dark place with good ventilation. Beets can be stored in the refrigerator, but they should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat. You can also store beets in a root cellar or a cool basement.
When storing beets, make sure to trim the greens to about an inch above the root. This will help prevent the greens from drawing moisture away from the root. You can also wrap the beets in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep them fresh. Beets can be stored for several weeks when kept in the right conditions.
Are beets a nutritious food?
Yes, beets are a highly nutritious food that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Beets are a good source of fiber, potassium, and folate, making them a great choice for heart health and digestive health. Beets are also high in antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage and reduce inflammation.
In addition to their nutritional benefits, beets have also been shown to have a number of potential health benefits. The nitrates in beets can help lower blood pressure and improve exercise performance, while the fiber in beets can help support healthy blood sugar levels. Beets are also low in calories and high in water content, making them a great choice for weight management.