Charcoal-roasted Beets and Red Onions

Charcoal-roasted Beets and Red Onions Recipe - Vegetarian Food

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1.5 hour | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Charcoal-roasted beets and red onions is a delicious and flavorful dish that brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables. The smoky flavor from the charcoal grill adds a unique touch to this dish, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.

History

This recipe has its roots in traditional cooking methods where vegetables were roasted over an open flame. The combination of beets and red onions creates a colorful and tasty dish that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

6 small fresh beets, trimmed of all but 2 inches of greens and unpeeled
2 medium red onions, unpeeled
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
0.33 cup chicken broth
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1.5 tsp fresh thyme leaves, divided
1 tsp salt
2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Prepare a charcoal grill with a cover and heat it to a moderate temperature.
In a cast iron skillet, place the beets and red onions. Drizzle them with olive oil.
Put the skillet on the grill rack over the fire. Cover the grill and roast the vegetables for 1.5 hours.
Using tongs, remove the vegetables from the skillet.
To the skillet, add broth, vinegar, and 1 tsp of thyme. Place it over high heat and bring the liquid to a boil. Scrape the bottom of the skillet for about 4 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.
Once the beets and onions are cool enough to handle, peel them.
Slice the beets into julienne strips and the onions into thin rings. Spoon the liquid over the onions and beets.
Add the remaining 0.5 tsp of thyme and stir well to combine.
Briefly heat the mixture and serve.

Variations

Add crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese for a creamy texture.
Sprinkle with chopped nuts or seeds for added crunch.
Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh beets and red onions for the best flavor.

- Roast the vegetables slowly over a moderate heat to ensure they cook evenly.

- The addition of chicken broth and balsamic vinegar adds depth of flavor to the dish.

- Be careful when handling the hot vegetables after they have been roasted.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or as a topping for salads.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is roasting the vegetables over a charcoal grill to impart a smoky flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use yellow or golden beets instead of red beets.

- Substitute shallots for red onions for a milder flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can roast the beets and red onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Reheat gently before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the charcoal-roasted beets and red onions on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. Serve with a side of quinoa or couscous for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of charcoal-roasted beets and red onions contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of charcoal-roasted beets and red onions contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 7 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of charcoal-roasted beets and red onions contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and folate from the beets and red onions.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check for any specific allergies to ingredients used.

Summary

Charcoal-roasted beets and red onions is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Charcoal-roasted beets and red onions is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. The smoky flavor from the charcoal grill adds a unique touch to this dish, making it a standout side dish for any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Charcoal-roasted Beets and Red Onions. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished gathering fresh vegetables from our garden. As I was flipping through one of my old recipe books, a folded piece of paper fell out onto the kitchen counter. Curious, I picked it up and noticed the scribbled handwriting of my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins.

Mrs. Jenkins was a master in the kitchen, and I had always admired her cooking skills. She had a way of creating the most delicious dishes with simple ingredients. The recipe she had written down was for Charcoal-roasted Beets and Red Onions, a dish she had learned to make from her grandmother many years ago.

I could hardly contain my excitement as I read through the ingredients and instructions. The combination of sweet roasted beets and tangy red onions sounded absolutely mouthwatering. I knew I had to try making it for myself.

The next day, I set out to gather the necessary ingredients. I picked out the freshest beets and red onions from the market, and I made sure to choose the best quality charcoal for roasting. As I began to prepare the dish, I could feel Mrs. Jenkins' presence in my kitchen, guiding me every step of the way.

I carefully peeled and sliced the beets and onions, drizzling them with olive oil and sprinkling them with salt and pepper. I placed them on a baking sheet and covered them with foil, ready to be roasted over the charcoal grill. The aroma that filled the air as the vegetables cooked was simply divine.

As I waited for the beets and onions to roast, I reflected on the many recipes I had learned over the years. Each one had its own story and had been passed down from generation to generation. Cooking had always been a way for me to connect with my family and friends, and I cherished the memories that were attached to each dish.

Finally, the beets and onions were ready. I carefully removed them from the grill, their edges charred to perfection. The colors of the vegetables were vibrant and inviting, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

I plated the Charcoal-roasted Beets and Red Onions, garnishing them with fresh herbs and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The flavors melded together beautifully, creating a dish that was both comforting and sophisticated. I took a bite and closed my eyes, savoring the familiar taste of Mrs. Jenkins' recipe.

As I enjoyed the delicious dish, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey that had led me to this moment. Cooking had always been a labor of love for me, and I knew that I would continue to cherish and share the recipes that had been passed down to me.

In that moment, surrounded by the aromas and flavors of Charcoal-roasted Beets and Red Onions, I felt a deep connection to my past and to the wonderful people who had enriched my life with their culinary wisdom. And as I savored each bite, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary legacy, to be passed down to future generations with love and gratitude.