Roasted Beets With Maple Dressing

Roasted beets with maple dressing and goat cheese

Beets, a superfood, are in season.  Serve this dish as an antipasto with other appetizers, or as a side dish.

  •     2 lbs fresh beets (choose ones that are roughly the same size – medium or large is best)
  •     1 tbsp olive oil
  •     1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  •     1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  •     ¼ tsp salt
  •     ¼ tsp pepper
  •     1 tbsp grated orange zest
  •     1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Scrub beets and cut off ends.  Wrap each one in aluminum foil, and place on a baking sheet.  Roast for 1.5 to 2 hours depending on how big the beets are. Remove from oven, and open up the foil on each beet a little to let them cool.  When they are cool enough to handle, remove the skins under running water.  They should come off very easily, but use a sharp knife to help.  Slice beets and place in a bowl.

Whisk all the other ingredients together in a small bowl.  If you want a creamier dressing, add in the mayonnaise.  Taste and adjust seasonings.  If you wish, sprinkle a little salty feta or chevre on top.  Mix into the sliced beets.  Serve at room temperature for enhanced flavour.  Enjoy!