My fingers are almost always stained a bright pink. My cutting board and counter tops, pink. Look closely at at dish towels and you will find pink blotches all over them as with any of my light colored clothes. You would think after years of trying to remove beet stains form everything that I would have gotten a system down or at least had a designated cutting board for them, but no. That would be to easy and really, I think I kinda don't care. So pink my things will be.
Beets. You either love them or you hate them. I love them (so much), the mr, well I am making him love them. He needs to love them because I end up putting beets in everything. If you are a hater, there is still turn into a lover. But maybe you have never even eaten a beet or haven't in a long long time. I am actually surprised at how many people I have talked to that have never tried beets before. If you are one of those people, stop being that person and eat one already. OR if you think you hate them, why don't you give them a second try, I bet you will change your mind. Sweet but earthy and nice and crisp but kind of juicy..they really are super tasty. And not to mention all the great health benefits(you can look those up yourself) Yup, beets be the shit!
And I love a good roasted beet, but really, I prefer my beets raw. Which brings us to this salad. A simple salad of grated up beets, orange juice and toasted hazelnuts. Fast, easy, and tummy satisfying. As long as you don't hate beets (how could you) then you will love it.
Now you get those beets!
The stuff. A big beet, (or two smaller ones) an orange,( I bought navel oranges and sliced into this one to find it was a blood orange... not complaining), hazelnuts (raw or toasted) apple cider vinegar, and salt and pepper. Optional but also very nice, some greens and or some type of grain. (I happen to have a some quinoa in the fridge)
Hazelnuts. If yours are already toasted, then no need to do it again, but if they are raw, toss them into the oven for a few minutes (hazelnuts taste so much better toasted)
And grab the beet and a shallow dish and grate it all up.
Add to the beet the juice of the orange, a small splash of vinegar to cut the sweetness, and salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good toss and let it sit for at least 5 minutes, if not longer.
And if the hazelnuts are in the oven, take them out when they are slight golden brown. If you want to remove the skins, just stick them in a clean towel and rub it off.
Everything all ready to go.. Any extras are added to bowls.
Beets into bowls, topped with toasted nuts and a cute little orange segment.(if you happen to have one lying around)
Isn't that just something. Beets are so pretty,, but more importantly, so freaking tasty good.
Enjoy Today!
-C
Raw Beet and Orange Salad with Roasted Hazelnuts
makes enough for 2 people as a side
- 1 large beet or 2 smaller beets
- 1 orange (I used blood orange but any orange would be good)
- handful of hazelnuts (either already roasted or raw that need to be roasted)
- apple cider vinegar
- salt and pepper
- Optional - quinoa (any grain would work) and or greens
If you hazelnuts are raw, toss them onto a baking sheet ans place them into the oven at 300 for about 6-8 minutes until slightly golden brown and smell so nice. When done remove and if you don't like the skins, place nuts in a clean towel and rub the skins right off.
Wash beet(s) and grate into a swallow bowl. I don't peel mine, but peel if you must. Add in the juice of the orange, a splash of vinegar and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix around and let sit for at least 5 minutes (the longer the better)
When you are ready for food, grab a bowl (add anything you want to add to the bottom, like quinoa or greens) and fill that bowl up with the beet salad and top with roasted hazelnuts.
Grab a fork and eat.