Roasted Baby Beetroot with Balsamic Mustard

4 servingsmediumBritish
Roasted Baby Beetroot with Balsamic Mustard

Tender roasted baby beetroot with crispy skins removed, tossed in a sharp balsamic-Dijon vinaigrette. Optional caraway seeds add warmth. The blanched beetroot greens are dressed separately and served cold as a complete, earthy side.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds, whole(optional)
    nigella seeds1:1warm-spiced

    similar earthiness

  • 1 ¾ lb baby beetroot with tops, whole
  • 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
    neutral oil1:1lighter

    removes fruity notes

  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or sherry vinegar
    red wine vinegar1:1sharp-acidic

    milder sweetness

    Full guide →
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
    whole grain mustard1:1tangy-textured

    coarser texture

    Full guide →
  • 1 tsp sea salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Dry-toast caraway seeds in a hot pan if using, then crush and set aside.

  2. 2

    Remove beetroot tops, wash, and blanch for one minute. Drain and set aside.

  3. 3

    Preheat oven to 425°F or fan 400°F or gas 7.

  4. 4

    Toss beetroot with half the olive oil and a little salt in a baking tray.

  5. 5

    Roast until cooked through.

  6. 6

    Cool slightly, then use clean rubber gloves to rub off the beetroot skins.

  7. 7

    Whisk remaining oil, vinegar, mustard, seeds, and sea salt together.

  8. 8

    Toss the dressing with beetroot tops and roots. Serve cold.

Tips

Tip 1

Wear rubber gloves when rubbing off beetroot skins to avoid staining your hands.

Tip 2

The caraway seeds can be toasted and crushed in advance for convenience.

Good to Know

Storage

Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Make Ahead

Roast and peel beetroot up to 2 days ahead. Dress just before serving.

Serve With

Cold, as a side dish or component of a salad.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Skip the rubber gloves to avoid beetroot stains on hands and nails.

Watch

Use cold beetroot when tossing with dressing to preserve texture and prevent mustard from breaking.

Substitutions

caraway seeds
nigella seeds1:1warm-spiced

similar earthiness

balsamic vinegar
red wine vinegar1:1sharp-acidic

milder sweetness

Full guide →
Dijon mustard
whole grain mustard1:1tangy-textured

coarser texture

Full guide →
extra-virgin olive oil
neutral oil1:1lighter

removes fruity notes

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →