Marinated beets are a delightful way to add color and flavor to any meal, and this Pistachio Thyme Marinated Beet recipe brings a unique combination of earthy, nutty, and herbal notes to the table.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or add a new dish to your meal rotation, this recipe promises vibrant visual appeal and a delicious taste that complements a variety of dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this recipe for its simplicity and depth of flavor. The earthiness of the beets, paired with the rich, nutty crunch of pistachios and the aromatic freshness of thyme, creates a harmonious blend. It’s a gourmet side that’s easy to prepare but sophisticated enough to serve at any dinner party.
It’s easy to go overboard during the holidays. To make too much food with too many flavors, it all gets to be just too much. That’s why we always try to work in a side dish that’s just so simple it can mix and match with pretty much anything.
This Pistachio Thyme-Marinated Roasted Beets Recipe is all that and gets bonus points for being made ahead (and tasting better the longer they sit).
Recipe Ingredients
To bring this marinated beets dish to life, you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 pounds of baby beets, which are sweet and tender
- Extra-virgin olive oil and aged balsamic or sherry vinegar to create a luscious marinade
- Thinly sliced small shallots for a touch of sharpness
- Fresh thyme that infuses the beets with its aromatic flavor
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for seasoning
- Finely chopped pistachios and optional crumbled feta cheese or shavings of Ricotta Salata to garnish
How to Make This Marinated Beets Recipe
Begin by roasting the seasoned beets with thyme and olive oil until tender. Once cooled, peel and cut the beets, then marinate them with shallots, olive oil, vinegar, and fresh thyme leaves. Let the mixture sit to enhance the flavors. Before serving, toss the beets with pistachios and add feta if desired for a creamy contrast.
Variations On This Recipe
- Nut Variations: Swap pistachios for walnuts or pecans if you prefer.
- Herb Choices: Replace thyme with rosemary or sage for a different herbal note.
- Vinegar Options: Experiment with different vinegars like apple cider or raspberry for a unique twist on the marinade.
- Cheese Options: For a bolder flavor, try using blue cheese or goat cheese instead of feta or Ricotta salada.
What to Serve This Recipe With
This marinated beet dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, especially lamb or pork, which complement the sweetness of the beets. It’s also perfect alongside a green salad or a vegetarian spread featuring quinoa or wheat berry salad. For a drink pairing, consider a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir to balance the dish’s rich flavors.
Now, go stock up on all your cooking essentials, head into the kitchen, make this, and share it with us by tagging @saltandwind and #swsociety on social!
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Pistachio Thyme Marinated Roasted Beets Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds baby beets trimmed and scrubbed
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 2 tablespoons Aged balsamic or sherry vinegar
- 2 small shallots halved and thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme plus more for garnish
- Kosher salt and Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup finely chopped pistachios for serving
- Crumbled feta cheese of shavings of Ricotta Salata, optional
Instructions
- Roast The Beets: Heat oven to 400°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Combine beets, thyme, 2 tablespoons of the oil, and salt and pepper in a baking dish and toss to coat. Roast until beets are knife tender, about 45 minutes. Set aside until cool enough to handle then rub off skins with paper towels and cut beets into sixths.
- Make The Marinated Roasted Beets: Mix beets with shallots, vinegar, and olive oil, and the leaves of 1 thyme spring. Season with salt and pepper and let sit at least 1 hour. Toss with pistachios and feta, if using, just before serving.
