Beetroot salad

Beetroot salad with horseradish - a colorful and flavorful delight

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 10

If you're looking for a simple, healthy, and flavorful salad, beetroot salad with horseradish is the perfect choice! This dish not only adds a vibrant touch to your table, but it is also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Beetroot, rich in antioxidants, helps detoxify the body and improves blood circulation, while horseradish, with its intense flavor, adds a boost of taste and digestive benefits.

The history of this salad is fascinating, as beetroot has been cultivated for thousands of years. Used in various cultures, it has been appreciated not only for its sweet and earthy taste but also for its nutritional properties. Combined with horseradish, the salad takes on a special character, making it a perfect accompaniment to various dishes, from roasts to cheeses.

Ingredients:
- 2 kg beetroot (choose smaller beets for a sweeter taste and finer texture)
- 100 g caraway seeds
- 100 ml vinegar (preferably wine or apple vinegar, to add a note of acidity)
- 1 piece of horseradish (approximately 150-200 g, choosing a larger horseradish will intensify the salad's flavor)
- Salt (to taste)
- 50 g sugar (helps balance the taste)
- 1.5 l water

Step by step for a perfect beetroot salad:

1. Preparing the beetroot: Choose fresh beetroot with smooth skin and no blemishes. Wash the beetroot well under cold running water to remove impurities. Then, place the beetroot in a pressure cooker and add water, ensuring it is covered. Boil the beetroot for about 40 minutes until it becomes soft. After boiling, drain the beetroot and let it cool on a tray.

2. Peeling the beetroot: Once the beetroot has cooled, peel its skin using a knife or your hands (if you prefer, you can wear gloves to avoid staining your skin). Cut the beetroot into very thin slices or cubes, depending on your preference.

3. Preparing the horseradish: Peel the horseradish and cut it into small pieces. Use a meat grinder to finely chop it. Horseradish not only adds an intense flavor but also a boost of vitamins, having anti-inflammatory properties and stimulating the immune system.

4. Preparing the spice mixture: In a separate pot, add 1.5 l of water and bring it to a boil. Add salt, sugar, and vinegar, adjusting the quantities to taste. Meanwhile, boil the caraway seeds separately in a cup of water for 5 minutes to extract their flavor. Then, combine the water with the boiled caraway and pour this mixture over the chopped beetroot.

5. Mixing the ingredients: Add the chopped horseradish over the beetroot and mix well, ensuring all ingredients are evenly combined. Letting the salad cool will allow the flavors to blend even better.

6. Preserving the salad: If you want to keep the salad for winter, pour the warm salad into sterilized jars, put on the lids, and place them in a pot with towels. Add water to the pot and let the jars boil for 20 minutes. Once done, cover the jars with a blanket and let them cool completely until the next day, then store them in the pantry. Variants that will be consumed quickly can be kept in the refrigerator.

7. Serving: Beetroot salad with horseradish can be served as a side dish with meat dishes or as a delicious appetizer alongside fresh cheese. An excellent combination would be with a refreshing drink, such as apple juice or a fruit cocktail.

Tips and useful advice:
- You can also add a splash of fresh lemon juice for an even more refreshing taste.
- If you prefer a more intense horseradish flavor, you can adjust its quantity according to your preferences.
- A delicious variant is to add some chopped nuts to add texture to the salad.
- If you want to try a milder salad, you can omit the horseradish and instead add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard.

Frequently asked questions:
1. How long does beetroot salad last in the refrigerator?
The salad can be consumed within 5-7 days if stored in the refrigerator.

2. Can I use canned beetroot?
Yes, you can use canned beetroot, but the taste will be different from fresh beetroot.

3. How can I enhance the flavor of the salad?
Try adding fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for an extra touch of freshness.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of beetroot salad with horseradish contains approximately 100-120 calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. Beetroot is rich in vitamin C, folic acid, and fiber, all contributing to healthy digestion and maintaining glowing skin.

Enjoy this beetroot salad with horseradish and savor every delicious bite! Bon appétit!