ROASTED BEETS AND BABY GREENS WITH VINAIGRETTE AND CILANTRO PESTO

(from ganzelini’s recipe box)

Source: Boistfort Valley Farm (Modified from: Bon Appétit, January 2005)

Categories: CSA, beet, cilantro, not tried

Ingredients

  • *Easy Vinaigrette dressing*
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp dry mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
  • Salt to taste (optional)
  • 1 tsp ground coriander seeds (optional)
  • *Pesto*
  • 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)
  • 1 bunch fresh chives, coarsely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
  • 1/4 cup (packed) fresh mint leaves
  • 1 tablespoon chopped seeded jalapeño chile
  • 1 small garlic clove, peeled
  • 1 teaspoon (scant) coarse kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • *Beets*
  • 2 pounds 1-inch-diameter baby beets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Coarse kosher salt
  • 6 cups assorted greens (arugula and lettuces)

Directions

  1. For vinaigrette: Stir coriander in small skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 4 minutes. Cool. Coarsely grind coriander in mortar with pestle or in spice mill. Add vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in oil. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill; discard garlic after 1 hour. Let vinaigrette stand at room temperature 1 hour before using.)

  2. For pesto: Puree first 9 ingredients in blender until smooth. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Reblend before continuing.) Whisk in lime juice.

  3. For beets: Preheat oven to 350°F. Wash and dry beets. Cut off beet greens 1 inch from top of beets; reserve for another use. Rub beets with oil. Place light-colored beets in 1 roasting pan and red beets in another; sprinkle with coarse salt. Cover pans tightly with foil. Roast until beets are just tender, about 55 minutes. Cool slightly. Rinse under cold water and rub off skin from beets. Cut beets in half. Toss beets in bowl with 4 tablespoons vinaigrette. Let stand 30 minutes. Toss lettuces in bowl with some of vinaigrette to coat lightly; divide among plates and top with beets. Drizzle pesto around salads and serve. Beets may be steamed instead of roasted for a quicker fix. Steam until fork tender.

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