Beet

The following tsimmes with beets, turnips, carrots, and meat came from Vilna to Brooklyn earlier in this century. When I make this for my family I do not tell the children that it includes beets and turnips. For some unknown reason they never ask me how the dish became so red. They love it.

The wine glaze both balances the natural sweetness of the beets and intensifies the savory beet flavor. In Tuscany, this is a favorite side dish for game and fowl.

You can make the crab mixture and beet purée ahead of time, but don’t assemble these hors d'oeuvres until just before serving or the apple slices will discolor.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 1 3/4 hr

Beets and potatoes team up in this simple, slightly spicy Ethiopian salad from Meskerem Restaurant in Washington, D.C.

Grated roasted beets lend interest here.

Begin making the coleslaw two days ahead and the whitefish one day ahead. Pour a Chardonnay or Pinot Noir with dinner.

These beets would be a great way to liven up simple roasted meats such as pork and chicken.

Here is a beautiful and inventive salad that combines hearty beets, sweet-tart plums and tangy goat cheese.

An interesting side dish or meatless entrée.

We like making our own pickled beets with spices and herbs that give these sandwiches a true Scandinavian flavor. You can, however, use bottled pickled beets if you don't have two days for marinating.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Begin preparing the salads at least one day ahead to allow the flavors to blend.

The contrasting colors of these two beets are especially attractive in this dish but you may substitute any others.

An overnight pickling tames the red onions.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.