Beet, Rice and Goat Cheese Burgers

This recipe was published in the New York Times. A really yummy veggie burger. Unless I plan to serve my beets raw, I go ahead and cook the whole batch (either wrapped in foil as a big bundle and baked, or put into a large microwave-proof container with a little water, covered, and allowed to steam in the microwave). Now I have roasted or steamed beets to pickle, slice into salads, or turn into dishes like this.

Roasted Beets, Fennel, and Carrots with Blackberry Vinaigrette

Tyler Williams of Woodfire Grill demonstrated this recipe at Morningside Farmers Market earlier this month. It’s a perfect use of several things in your box (substitute more beets if you don’t have carrots around). Blackberries are in season right this minute and available at most local farmers markets this weekend, so stock up! No faro on hand? Substitute Israeli couscous, orzo or even rice.

‘Mother-in-Law’ Beet Salad

This last recipe is an adaptation of one from Marc Sommers, executive chef of Parsley’s Custom Catering in Kennesaw, who demonstrated it at the Morningside Farmers Market a year or so ago. He says he “borrowed” this recipe from his Belarusian mother-in-law. I just had a beet-and-potato salad at an Ethiopian restaurant last night and I can’t wait to try this one.

Grated Raw Beet Salad

This recipe is adapted from one by Martha Rose Shulman and published in the New York Times.

I’m always surprised by the number of people who think you can’t eat beets raw. Of course you can!

And if you scrub them well, you don’t even need to peel them. Just trim up the stem and root ends and that’s all the prep they need. Especially if you’re going to grate them.

Beets and Greens Gratin

Sadly, I do not know where this recipe came from, but as the beet harvest is winding down, thought you might enjoy one more way to use those beets. It provides very detailed directions for dealing with your beets. For those of you who are not fans of goat cheese, substitute any soft cheese, even cream cheese. This recipe is a bit of trouble, but would make a great entrée or side dish for entertaining. You can prepare everything ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake just before you need it for dinner.

Brazilian Chicken Salad Sandwich

This recipe came from Fine Cooking magazine, I don’t remember when! Makes 4 lovely sandwiches that will serve up some of your beets and cilantro. The recipe suggests whole wheat bread, but any loaf of bread that’s handy, sub roll, baguette …. will do. The combination of salty, tart, sweet and herbal – fabulous.