Beets with Oil and Vinegar (Patzaria)

Beginner Cook - Medium Cooking Time - Salad - Side Dish - Vegetarian - Vegan - Gluten-Free

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1.5 pounds (about 6 large) beets
  
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  
• 3 tablespoons white grape or apple cider vinegar
  

Time - 55 minutes (variable depending on the size of the beets)

• Preparation - 10 minutes
  
• Cooking - 45 minutes
  

Preparation

• Select beets with bright leafy greens attached to the root (if available)

Prior to tasting fresh beets with oil and vinegar, my exposure to this vegetable was the salad bar at restaurants and I wasn't a fan. My guess is that these were from a can, which are a far cry from those prepared fresh. Since discovering this recipe, I have been hooked on this delicious and highly nutritious vegetable. If you come across a bunch of beets with the leaves and stems intact, be sure to take advantage of them. This recipe shows you how to prepare the vegetable using all parts.

• Using a sharp knife, separate the stems and leaves from the root
• Wash the greens and stems
• Cut the stems into smaller pieces

• Place the stems, leaves, and salt in a large pot of water and boil for 30 minutes

• Place the beet roots unpeeled in a separate pot of water and boil for 45 minutes, until tender (once you can pierce a knife through the beet)

• After boiling, strain the greens

• Once the beets are soft, run them under cold water until cool enough to handle
  
• With a sharp knife cut the top of the beet

• If the beet has a little "tail", you can repeat the process on the other end

• Once you have removed the top of the beet, apply light pressure with your fingers to the sides to slip off the skin. It should come off very easily once the beet has been boiled

• Depending on the size of the beets, cut into halves or quarters and place on a serving plate or bowl over the greens

• You can choose to pour the olive oil and vinegar over the plate of beets or serve undressed and place oil and vinegar on the table, allowing each person to dress their beets to their liking