This unusual vinaigrette is delicious with grilled, roasted, or sautéed fish or sea scallops, braised leeks, sliced warm new potatoes, roasted onions, and buckwheat noodles. Because the vinaigrette has a vivid purple color that stains food quickly, I prefer to spoon the vinaigrette onto the plates and place the food on top of it.
Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds (3 to 4) medium beets, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons roasted walnut oil, extra-virgin olive oil, or Asian sesame oil
Fresh lemon or lime juice, to taste
Pinch of kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Process the beets in a juice extractor, to make 1 cup juice.
2. In a small saucepan, boil the beet juice over high heat until it is reduced to ½ cup, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the vinegar and boil for 30 seconds. Add the oil and boil for 30 seconds, or until emulsified. Stir in the lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste and serve at once.
In advance: You can juice the beets and boil down the juice up to 2 days ahead; cover and refrigerate. The sauce will keep, covered and refrigerated, for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Excerpted from A New Way to Cook by Sally Schneider (Artisan, a Division of Workman Publishing Company, Inc., 2001). © 2001 bv Sally Schneider.
Before you go...
Each week, The Splendid Table brings you stories that expand your world view, inspire you to try something new and show how food brings us together. We rely on you to do this. And, when you donate, you'll become a member of The Splendid Table Co-op. It's a community of like-minded individuals who love good food, good conversation and kitchen companionship. Splendid Table Co-op members will get exclusive content each month and have special opportunities for connecting with The Splendid Table team.
Donate today for as little as $5.00 a month. Your gift only takes a few minutes and has a lasting impact on The Splendid Table and you'll be welcomed into The Splendid Table Co-op.
