Braised Beets with Lemon and Almonds is a delicious and streamlined recipe that brings out the sweet and earthy flavors of beets without a lot of hassle. This method of braising the beets partially simmers and partially steams them, resulting in tender beets with easy-to-remove skins. The addition of a glossy sauce made with brown sugar and vinegar enhances the beets’ flavor, while shallots, toasted almonds, fresh mint, and thyme add delightful layers of taste and texture. This dish is perfect as a side or a standalone vegetarian option and can be served warm or at room temperature.
SERVES 4 TO 6
INGREDIENTS:
- 1½ pounds beets, trimmed and halved horizontally
- 1¼ cups water
- Salt and pepper
- 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
- 1 shallot, sliced thin
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- ½ cup almonds, toasted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Place the halved beets, cut side down, in a single layer in an 11-inch straight-sided sauté pan or Dutch oven. Add water and ¼ teaspoon of salt, then bring it to a simmer over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the beets are tender, and a paring knife easily goes through them, which should take about 45 to 50 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked beets to a cutting board. Increase the heat to medium-high and reduce the cooking liquid, stirring occasionally, until the pan is almost dry, which takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the distilled white vinegar and light brown sugar, return to a boil, and cook, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula, until the spatula leaves a wide trail when dragged through the glaze, which should take 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Once the beets are cool enough to handle, rub off the skins with a paper towel and cut them into ½-inch wedges. Add the beets, sliced shallot, grated lemon zest, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper to the glaze and toss everything together to coat the beets.
- Transfer the coated beets to a serving platter, sprinkle with chopped almonds, chopped fresh mint, and chopped fresh thyme, and serve this flavorful and vibrant dish.
VARIATION – Beets with Lime and Pepitas:
- Omit the thyme.
- Substitute lime zest for lemon zest, toasted pepitas for almonds, and cilantro for mint.
VARIATION – Beets with Orange and Walnuts:
- Substitute orange zest for lemon zest, walnuts for almonds, and parsley for mint.
TIPS:
- Choose Beets of the Right Size: Look for beets that are approximately 2 to 3 inches in diameter for this recipe. This size ensures they cook evenly and retain their natural sweetness and tenderness.
- Cut Beets for Faster Cooking: Halving the beets cuts down the cooking time significantly, making this recipe quicker and more convenient.
- Adjust Serving Temperature: This dish can be served warm or at room temperature. If serving it later at room temperature, add the nuts, seeds, and fresh herbs just before serving to preserve their crispness and flavors.
- Get Creative with Variations: Experiment with variations by substituting lime zest for lemon zest, toasted pepitas for almonds, and cilantro for mint, or try using orange zest, walnuts, and parsley instead.
Braised Beets with Lemon and Almonds is a delightful dish that showcases the natural sweetness and earthiness of beets. With the addition of tangy lemon zest, toasted almonds, and fragrant herbs, this recipe elevates the humble beet to a gourmet treat. Serve it as a beautiful side dish or a vegetarian main course at your next gathering or as a refreshing addition to your daily meals. Its versatility and rich flavors will make it a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy this delightful and wholesome beet dish year-round!
