Roasted Beet Salad with Peanut Dressing

Ingredients

In this Togolese adaptation, the traditional Polish Sałatka z burakow is transformed by incorporating Togolese flavors and ingredients. The original recipe is enhanced with a spicy peanut dressing, which adds a unique twist and brings a touch of Togolese cuisine to the dish. Additionally, the garnishes of fresh herbs and crunchy peanuts provide a Togolese flair, elevating the overall flavor profile of the salad. We alse have the original recipe for Sałatka z burakow, so you can check it out.

• 4 medium beets, peeled and cubed (500g / 1.1 lb) 4 medium beets, peeled and cubed (500g / 1.1 lb)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (120g) 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (120g)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (30ml) 2 tablespoons lime juice (30ml)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30ml) 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30ml)
• 1 tablespoon honey (15ml) 1 tablespoon honey (15ml)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Roasted peanuts, crushed, for garnish Roasted peanuts, crushed, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 18g (Sugar: 10g)
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, toss the cubed beets with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
3. 3.
   Spread the beets in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper (if using) until smooth and well combined.
5. 5.
   Once the beets are roasted, let them cool slightly before transferring them to a serving dish.
6. 6.
   Drizzle the spicy peanut dressing over the roasted beets and toss gently to coat.
7. 7.
   Garnish the salad with fresh cilantro and crushed roasted peanuts.
8. 8.
   Serve the Roasted Beet Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beets — Make sure to peel and cube the beets evenly to ensure even roasting.
• Peanut butter — Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth and creamy dressing.
• Lime juice — Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the best flavor.
• Soy sauce — Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to control the saltiness of the dressing.
• Cayenne pepper — Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your desired level of spiciness.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can roast the beets in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• For added crunch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the salad before serving.
• If you prefer a milder dressing, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
• Customize the salad by adding your favorite vegetables or greens, such as arugula or spinach.
• This salad can be served as a side dish or as a light main course by adding grilled chicken or tofu.

Serving advice

Serve the Roasted Beet Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing as a refreshing appetizer or a light lunch. It pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the roasted beets on a bed of fresh greens, such as lettuce or baby spinach, to create an appealing contrast of colors. Drizzle the peanut dressing over the beets and garnish with fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts for an attractive presentation.