Beet Salad With Skordalia Dressing Garlic Potato Puree Recipes

BEET SALAD WITH SKORDALIA DRESSING (GARLIC-POTATO PUREE)

Steps:

• Select fresh tender beets and cut off the tops and roots. Wash the beets, without removing the skins, and boil in a large pot with ample water.
• Meanwhile, clean the beet greens with the stems; add to the pot after the beets have cooked 30 minutes. When beets are tender, remove and strain off the liquid.
• Peel the beets and cut them into round slices; chop up the greens. Mound greens in center of a platter and surround them with the beet slices.
• Dress with olive oil, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with the skordalia (the skordalia is served as a 'meze' - in it's own bowl, and dibs and dabs of the skordalia are enjoyed with forkfuls of the beet slices and/or greens). Make sure you have a good quality, artisanal loaf of bread to enjoy with this.
• To make Skordalia: Clean garlic and mash it completely (you may use food processor or blender). Mash in potatoes, one by one, until you have a thick puree. Alternately, add the oil and vinegar, beating constantly getting rid of all lumps (you want it very smooth). Many people like to add almonds or walnuts to skordalia, but this is optional.

CREAMY BEET SALAD

Steps:

• Peel and slice beets into a mixing bowl.
• Add onion and cucumber.
• Mix remaining ingredients in a separate bowl, add salt and pepper to taste.
• Pour over vegetables.
• Toss vegetables and dressing lightly to coat.
• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours for flavors to blend or overnight.
• Serve chilled. Enjoy!
• Note: Cook time is for boiling beets.

BEET PUREE

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a pan then add the onion and garlic and cook for 6-8 mins until golden.
• Lower the heat and stir in the beets, vinegar and tomato paste.
• Cook gently for 15-20 mins until everything is sticky and caramelized. This can now be served as it is if you like.
• Pour in the broth and the cream and stir together. Tip into a food processor and blitz until smooth.
• Serve straight away or reheat before serving.

CREAMY BEET SALAD

Steps:

• Boil beets with skin on about 1 hour or until easily pierced with a fork. If a beet is older or really big, it may take longer. The smaller, younger beets may cook in 45 minutes. Let cool in cold water (or in the fridge overnight if you want to make the beets ahead). You can make them 2-3 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to use! Anyway, once they are at room temp or cool enough to handle, peel off skin. Most of the time, it should come off easily when you rub the beet with your hands (use kitchen gloves to keep from staining your hands).
• Use a mandolin to julienne your beets or torture yourself and try to cut the matchsticks by hand. Just be prepared for really gnarly looking red finger nails if you don't have a mandolin. Wear kitchen gloves if you are fond of your manicure. Place your sliced beets in a large bowl and top with 1/4 cup finely diced red onion.
• Add in 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1 tbsp vinegar, and 3-4 tbsp real mayo to taste. Give it a good stir. You're done!