Beet Carpaccio

Beet Carpaccio Recipe

The Beet Carpaccio is a fresh and light dish that stands out for its vibrant reddish color and delicate flavor. It is an ideal option for those looking for a healthy dish, full of nutrients and with a sophisticated touch, perfect for any occasion.

• Natural freshness: beetroot provides a sweet and earthy flavor that surprises with every bite.
• Versatility: can be combined with various ingredients to vary its profile.
• Nutritional benefits: rich in antioxidants, vitamins and fiber.
• Presentation: its thinly sliced style makes it ideal for elegant appetizers or side dishes.

Preparation time

Preparing a beet carpaccio is simple and quick. Here are the approximate times to achieve the best result:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 30-40 minutes (boiled or roasted)
• Total: 45-55 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the carpaccio

• 2 medium beets
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Coarse salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 clove of garlic (optional for the dressing)
• 1 orange (for a fresh and citrusy touch)
• 3 tablespoons chopped pistachios
• ½ cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
• 1 cup baby spinach or arugula for garnish

If you don't have pistachios, you can substitute them with chopped walnuts or almonds, which provide a similar texture and neutral flavor. Baby spinach can be swapped with arugula for a more intense and slightly bitter touch.

Utensils we will use

• Pot for cooking the beets
• Mandoline or sharp knife for slicing
• Bowl for mixing dressing
• Cutting board
• Spoon or spatula for stirring
• Plate for presentation (can be flat or rimmed)
• Colander to drain the beet after cooking

If you don't have a mandoline, a very sharp knife can serve the purpose of cutting into thin slices, although it will require more care to maintain uniformity.

Preparation

1. Cooking the beetroot

1. Wash the beet: under cold water to remove dirt and grime.
2. Boil the beet: place the whole beets in a pot with water until covered and let them boil over medium heat for 30-40 minutes. The correct point is when a fork easily penetrates.
3. Cool and peel: once cooked, remove the beets and let them cool slightly. Peel with your hands or a small knife to remove the thin outer skin.

2. Slice thinly

1. Use the mandoline: if you have one, cut thin slices, ideal for the beet to have a soft texture and be pleasant to the palate.
2. If you don't have a mandoline: use a sharp knife and cut slices as thin as you can, aiming for uniformity for an elegant presentation.

3. Prepare dressing and assembly

1. Basic dressing: mix olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste, add the squeezed juice of an orange to balance sweetness and acidity.
2. Optional: add the finely chopped garlic clove for an aromatic touch.
3. Arrange the beet: arrange the slices on a large plate or individual plates, covering the entire base.
4. Dress: drizzle the dressing over the slices, making sure to spread it evenly so that every bite has flavor.
5. Add toppings: place crumbled goat cheese and chopped pistachios on top, along with baby spinach for a fresh and colorful touch.

To finish and serve

Before serving, adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Remove any misplaced leaves or ingredients and present the dish fresh. This carpaccio is best enjoyed cold, as an appetizer or light side dish. You can accompany it with a fresh beet salad to enhance the healthy experience.

I want to share these tips with you

• Choose fresh beets: for better flavor and texture, preferably firm and with smooth skin.
• For thin cuts: maintaining uniformity ensures better cooking and presentation.
• Balanced dressing: use orange juice or a touch of balsamic vinegar to balance the sweetness of the beet.
• Soft cheese: goat cheese is ideal for its texture and flavor, but feta can be a good substitute.
• Toasted pistachios: provide a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor without being too invasive.
• Prepare in advance: the carpaccio improves if you let the dressing rest on the beets for about 10-15 minutes in the cold.
• Don't overdo the salt: the cheese and the nuts already add flavor, adjust with moderation.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: ~150 kcal
• Proteins: 5 g
• Fats: 9 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 4 g

Values are approximate per serving and may vary depending on the exact amount of ingredients and choice of toppings.

5 keys to perfect Beet Carpaccio

1. Select beets of the same size: this helps ensure even cooking.
2. Don't skip the cooling: peeling cold is easier and maintains the beet's texture.
3. Slice on the mandoline carefully: to prevent slices from breaking and ensure the carpaccio is uniform.
4. Coat with dressing just before serving: to preserve the texture and not over-soak the slices.
5. Add a crunchy final touch: either with pistachios, walnuts, or almonds for a pleasant contrast.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

This beet carpaccio is an excellent option for warm spring or summer days, thanks to its freshness and light texture. It also works very well as an appetizer for celebrations or dinners where you want to impress without complicating things. The combination with ingredients like goat cheese or walnuts makes it perfect for family gatherings or with friends who enjoy natural and appealing flavors. Furthermore, its quick preparation is ideal when you have little time but are looking for quality and style on the table.

Comparison with similar recipes

Share your experience

Cooking is for experimenting and sharing. How did this turn out for you Beet Carpaccio? Did you try a different cheese or add other toppings? Tell us your results and variations. Your comments not only help others, but also enrich the art of flavor. Feel free to leave your opinion and your own preparation tricks!

Useful culinary glossary for preparing Beet Carpaccio

• Mandoline: utensil for cutting vegetables into very thin and uniform slices.
• Beet: reddish, sweet and earthy tuber, also known as beetroot.
• Crumble: action of breaking into small pieces, used for cheese or other ingredients.
• Dressing: liquid mixture used to season and flavor salads or cold dishes.
• Pistachios: nuts that add crunchy texture and mild flavor to dishes.