Beets with Thyme Vinaigrette~

by Liz Berg on February 16, 2011

When Kristi, of Mother Rimmy’s Cooking Light Does Right, posted about microwaving beets on her blog, I immediately these gem colored root vegetables on my grocery list.  Peeling and cubing the beets before cooking prevents every surface in your kitchen, including your fingers, from becoming covered in bright purple juice.  Her technique was simple and foolproof.  I made a variation on her vinaigrette, but she was definitely the inspiration.  As the only one in my family who will touch beets, I get every sweet and healthy morsel for myself!!!!

I bought both standard and yellow beets, and microwaved them separately to prevent cross bleeding.  This was a fabulous dish…so many variations are possible.  Kristi used tarragon instead of thyme, but basil would be lovely as well.  I contemplated adding Dijon and a sprinkle of sugar to my dressing, but it was perfect as written.

Beets with Thyme Vinaigrette…adapted from Kristi, AKA, Mother Rimmy
4 cups beets, cubed
1 shallot, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon walnut oil
2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
1 teaspoon thyme leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Place beets in microwave proof bowl and pour in about an inch of water.  Microwave for about 20 minutes or till tender.  Drain.

Whisk together remaining ingredients.  Toss with beets.  Serve cold or at room temperature.

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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }

Amy Bakes Everything February 16, 2011 at 12:06 pm

My dad would totally fight you for these, he loves beets! This is what he’s getting for his birthday instead of cake. And he will thank me for it! Thanks for posting!

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Kristen February 16, 2011 at 1:48 pm

I love how you used two colors of beets. It’s a beautiful dish and I am sure it tasted wonderfully, I love beets.

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Lin Ann February 16, 2011 at 2:58 pm

I love this recipe. I love beets, no else in my family does, though. I’ll have to sneak in this recipe and see what happens!

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thecountrycook February 16, 2011 at 3:13 pm

I always see the walnut oil in the store and wonder what I could do with it. So I love when I see recipes like this that show me ways to use new things!
Brandie

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Susi February 16, 2011 at 3:42 pm

I happen to love beets and this is such a simple, but delicious sounding application. Very pretty to look at as well :o )

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Julie February 16, 2011 at 9:22 pm

What a cheerful, pretty plate! I’ve never tried microwaving beets, must give it a go!

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yummychunklet February 16, 2011 at 9:51 pm

The color of your beets look so nice and bright!

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Crow4ever February 16, 2011 at 10:20 pm

Lizzy, we both love beets, or beetroot as we Aussies call them! So this is a recipe I will most definitely be trying :)

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Lizzy February 16, 2011 at 10:30 pm

Thanks, everyone! If you like beets, you’ll love this microwave preparation…so little mess :)

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Medeja February 17, 2011 at 10:46 am

What an elegant presentation! :)

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Lizzy February 17, 2011 at 11:46 am

Aw, thanks, Medeja!

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boulderlocavore February 17, 2011 at 12:17 pm

I’d be terrified if I microwaved beets it would come out looking like a crime scene! I have a ton of beets from our winter CSA and have avoided experimenting. I may follow in your footsteps on this one Lizzy….

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Lizzy February 17, 2011 at 4:19 pm

Haha…too funny!!! (I’m also very jealous of all your beets!).

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Carole February 22, 2011 at 12:52 am

Thanks for the tip re peeling and cubing before cooking. I’d like to try this recipe. Thanks!

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Lizzy February 22, 2011 at 1:35 am

Carole, I think you’ll like this method :)

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