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Beets are among the most healthful
vegetables. One-half cup of cooked beets provides four times the fiber of an
equal amount of shredded cabbage, and as much potassium as a banana. Beets also
contain 25 percent of the folic acid we require daily (cooked beet greens supply
even more), and significant amounts of vitamin C, iron, and magnesium.
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Beets with Orange and Almonds
1 lb. beets
Juice of 3 oranges
Zest of 1 orange
1/4 C. unsalted butter
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
1/3 C. slivered almonds, toasted
1/2 orange, for garnish
2 T. coarsely chopped chervil or 1 to 2 t. chopped fresh tarragon, for garnish
Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Trim the leaves off the beets, leaving about an
inch of stem. Set the beets in a roasting pan. Bake until the skins are crinkled
and loose and a sweet beet smell permeates the kitchen. Medium-sized beets
should take about 1-1/2 to 2 hours, small ones about 1-1/2 hours.
Peel the beets and cut into 3/8-inch cubes. Place the orange juice, orange zest,
beets and butter in a shallow saucepan or a skillet. Cook over low to medium
heat for 15 minutes -- stirring occasionally -- then raise the heat to high to
reduce the cooking liquid, about 2 minutes. The beets should be coated with an
orange glaze. Taste. Salt if necessary, and add plenty of freshly ground pepper.
Turn into a warm serving dish and top with the almonds. Squeeze the orange half
over the cooked beets and garnish with the chervil. Serve immediately.
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