Beetroot salad

Beetroot salad with horseradish - a healthy and tasty choice

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to the flavorful world of healthy salads! Today we will prepare a beetroot salad with horseradish, a simple recipe full of flavors and nutritional benefits. Beetroot is a food rich in vitamins and minerals, and when combined with spicy horseradish and a bit of balsamic vinegar, the result is a delicious salad that pairs perfectly with any meat dish.

Beetroot is among the healthiest foods, having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also an excellent source of fiber, which aids digestion. Horseradish adds a pungent kick and a note of freshness, being a superfood itself, rich in vitamin C and with antibacterial properties.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg beetroot (choose medium-sized, firm beets without blemishes)
- 100 g grated horseradish (fresh is ideal; you can also use jarred horseradish, but the flavor will be less intense)
- 50 ml balsamic vinegar (balsamic vinegar adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the beetroot)
- 5 g cumin (cumin seeds add a warm and slightly spicy flavor)
- Salt to taste (preferably sea salt or Himalayan salt)

Preparation method:

1. Preparing the beetroot:
Start by washing the beetroot well under cold running water. This will remove any impurities. Then, place the beetroot in a pot of salted water and boil for about 20 minutes or until tender. You can check if it's done by piercing it with a fork; if it goes in easily, the beetroot is cooked.

2. Cooling the beetroot:
Once the beetroot is boiled, remove it from the water and let it cool. This will make peeling easier. After it has cooled, remove the skin with a knife or peel it under running water, using your fingers to help.

3. Grating the beetroot:
Use a large grater to shred the beetroot into thin strips. This will add a pleasant texture to the salad. If you prefer a finer texture, you can use a food processor.

4. Preparing the horseradish:
If using fresh horseradish, peel and finely grate it. It will add a unique intensity to the salad. If using jarred horseradish, make sure it is of good quality to achieve an authentic taste.

5. Mixing the ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the grated beetroot with the horseradish, balsamic vinegar, cumin seeds, and salt. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the salt according to your preference.

6. Serving the salad:
The beetroot salad is delicious both freshly made and after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. The flavors will intensify and blend perfectly. You can serve the salad on a bed of greens, such as arugula or spinach, for an extra touch of freshness.

Serving suggestions:
This salad pairs excellently with meat dishes, such as pork roast or grilled chicken. You can also use it as a side for fish or as a filling for sandwiches. A delicious combination is to serve it with goat cheese or toasted nuts, which add a crunchy texture.

Possible variations:
To add an exotic touch, you can try adding a bit of lemon or orange juice, providing additional freshness. Also, for a sweeter taste, you can replace the balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar.

Useful tips:
- If you want to prepare the salad faster, you can use pre-cooked beetroot from the store.
- Fresh horseradish can be quite spicy, so adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
- Make sure the beetroot is well cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned beetroot?
Yes, but the taste will be different. Fresh beetroot has a much more intense flavor.

2. How can I store the salad?
You can keep it in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

3. Is beetroot salad healthy?
Absolutely! It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent choice for a healthy diet.

Taste this beetroot salad with horseradish and enjoy a simple, quick, and extremely healthy dish! It is more than just a salad; it is an explosion of flavors and colors that will make you feel good and enjoy every bite. Enjoy your meal!