Warm Moroccan Beet Salad with Tangerines

"The use of sweet spices with the earthy beets sets up a dramatic and delicious contrast, while the presence of tangerine juice, and zest provides a welcome dose of vitamin C.  The bright  colors of this dish will brighten any friend's day."

3 or 4 bunches baby beets, such as red, golden, candy stripe, or Chiogga

3 T extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

3 T water

1/8 t ground cinnamon

2 allspice berries, crushed

1 whole clove, crushed

2 T dried currants

1 T honey

1 T grated or finely minced tangerine zest

1/4 cup tangerine juice

1/2 cup tangerine segments

1 T chopped fresh mint

2 t fresh lime juice

Preheat the oven to 350 F.  Remove the green beet tops.  Trim and discard the woody stems.  Rinse beets thoroughly.  

Put the beets in a large baking dish.  Toss the beets with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.  Season with salt and pepper.  Add the water to the dish.  Cover with aluminum foil and roast until the beets feel tender when poked with a small knife or wooden skewer, about 45 minutes.  Remove from oven.  When cool, peel the beets by rubbing them between your fingers or with a kitchen towel.  Set aside.

Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.  Add the roasted beets, cinnamon, allspice, and clove.  Gently toss the beets with the spices until fragrant, about 1 minute.  Add the currants, honey, and tangerine zest and increase heat to high.  Toss until the honey just begins to caramelize, being careful not to let it burn, about 1 or 2 minutes.

Add the tangerine juice and boil until the liquid is reduced to a thick syrup.  Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl.  Add the tangerine segments, mint, and lime juice.  Season with salt and pepper.  Serve warm.

Serves 4 to 6

My Review

This salad is so pleasing... to the eye and mouth and would dress up any main course!  All the flavors come together perfectly and the tangerine/ beet combination is mouthwatering.  The spices are so aromatic, they filled my home with a sweet scent.  I am excited to have found this recipe and will definately make this one again.