Beetroot salad with horseradish

Beet Salad with Horseradish – A Delicious Treat Full of Flavor and Nutrients

Are you dreaming of a delicious salad that will delight your taste buds and add a splash of color to your plate? Beet salad with horseradish is the perfect choice! This recipe is not only simple but also extremely healthy, offering you a balanced combination of flavors and nutritional benefits. Red beets, rich in antioxidants, and spicy horseradish, full of vitamins, make this salad an ideal accompaniment to various main dishes, but it can also be enjoyed on its own.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Necessary ingredients:

- 3 kg red beets (choose medium-sized, firm beets without spots)
- 4 thick horseradish roots (the fresher, the better)
- 4 bay leaves
- 500 g sugar
- 500 ml vinegar (preferably wine vinegar for a more refined taste)
- 50 g salt
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns (black pepper has the best flavor)
- 1 l water

Preparation:

1. Preparing the beets: Start by washing the red beets well under cold running water to remove dirt. It is important not to peel them before boiling, as the skin helps retain flavors and nutrients. Place the whole beets in a large pot with cold water and let them boil over medium heat for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until tender. A useful trick is to pierce a beet with a fork; if it goes in easily, it's ready!

2. Cooling and peeling the beets: After boiling, remove the beets from the water and let them cool on a clean towel. When they are cool enough to handle, peel the skin off with a knife or your fingers – it will come off very easily.

3. Grating the beets: Use a large grater to grate the beets. You can try using a food processor if you want to save time, but the texture obtained manually is always more pleasant.

4. Preparing the brine: In a separate pot, add 1 liter of water, vinegar, salt, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Place the pot on the stove and let it boil for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to dissolve the salt and sugar. Once the mixture comes to a boil, let it cool slightly.

5. Adding the horseradish: While the brine cools, peel the horseradish and grate it using a fine grater. Horseradish has an intense flavor, so make sure you have good ventilation in the kitchen to avoid eye irritation.

6. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated beets with the horseradish and add the cooled brine. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

7. Filling the jars: Prepare the sterilized jars: wash them well and place them in a preheated oven at 120°C for 15-20 minutes to sterilize. Fill each jar with salad, pressing gently with the back of a spoon to remove air and prevent mold formation. Seal the jars tightly and store them in a cool, dark place.

8. Storing and serving: Let the salad rest for at least 24 hours before consuming to allow the ingredients to meld and reveal delicious flavors.

Useful tips:

- You can adapt this recipe according to your preferences by adding other spices, such as garlic or coriander, for a more exotic taste.
- If you prefer a less spicy salad, you can reduce the amount of horseradish.
- Beet salad with horseradish pairs perfectly with meat dishes, but it is also delicious alongside cheeses or on toast.
- This salad can be kept in the fridge for several months, making it an excellent option for having a healthy side dish on hand.

Nutritional benefits:

Red beets are known for their antioxidant properties, being rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like manganese and potassium. Horseradish, on the other hand, is an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, having notable digestive benefits. This salad is not only delicious but also contributes to a healthy diet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use canned beets?
- While canned beets can be a convenient alternative, the taste and texture of fresh beets are incomparable.

2. How can I tell if the beets are fresh?
- Choose beets with vibrant color, free of spots or mold, and with green leaves if they are attached.

3. Can beet salad be frozen?
- While beets can be frozen, the salad with horseradish will lose its texture. It is better to keep it in jars.

In conclusion, beet salad with horseradish will not only delight your taste buds but will also add a health boost to your diet. Experiment with various ingredients and find the combination you like best. Enjoy each colorful and flavorful serving, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones!