How to Make Beet Salad

One of New York City's favorite restaurants is Josephina's, located near Lincoln Center on Broadway and West 62nd street. During the summers they often offer a golden beet salad that's packed with fresh vegetables and gourmet taste. Although this is not the exact recipe, it faithfully recreates this wonderful, healthy gourmet recipe. Here's my take on Josephina's Golden Beet Salad with a vegan option too!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1-2 fresh beets - golden or red
• Pot
• Water
• Stove
• 1-2 cups Lettuce of your choice
• Three onion slices
• 1 tablespoon Feta (goat) cheese
• 1 tablespoon walnuts
• 1 tablespoon Balsamic vingear
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

1. Fill the pot with water about half to three quarters full. Set it on the stove and heat water to boiling. Remove most of the leaves and stems from the beets by holding them in your hand and twisting off the tops with one motion. Pull off the roots but do not cut them off. Clean the beets under cold running water by scrubbing with a brush or your hands. Place the whole beet into the boiling water. Cook for 30-45 minutes or until fork tender.

2. While beets are cooking, clean lettuce and place it on a plate. Layer the onion slices on top of the lettuce.

3. When beets are tender, shut off the heat and remove using tongs or a fork. Run the beets under cold water. Place them on a cutting board. Using a knife, scrape the skin off and slice off the top and root. The skin should slip off easily. Discard skin. You may want to wear an apron since beet splatters can really make stains on clothing!

4. Allow beets to cool. Slice them up and layer the beets on top of the lettuce and onion. Sprinkle feta cheese on top of the salad, or if you are vegan, use walnuts instead. Mix the olive oil and Balsamic vinegar. Drizzle on top of the salad and serve!

Tips & Warnings

• Don't over cook the beets - you want them firm enough to hold up in a salad.
• You can make the salad in advance and just keep the beets separate from the lettuce. When you're ready to serve, add beets and dressing.

Resources

• Get Your Hands Dirty - great beginner's book on gardening
• My gardening blog

[godfather25]

on 7/23/2009 Excellent tips on making a beet salad. 5*