Beetroot with Scordalia Sauce
Ingredients: -1 kg beetroot For the sauce: -200 g ground walnuts -200 g bread crumb soaked in water and squeezed -200 ml oil -30 g crushed garlic -approximately 40 ml of 9-degree vinegar or to taste -salt
Wash the red beet well under a stream of cold water, making sure to remove any impurities or dirt. Then, place the beet in a pot of water and add a teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavor. Boil the beet over medium heat for about 45-60 minutes, depending on its size. Test if it is cooked by inserting a fork; if it goes in easily, the beet is ready. After boiling, remove the beet from the water and let it cool, then peel it. You can cut it into equal-sized cubes or grate it using a large grater, depending on your preferences.
Meanwhile, prepare the sauce that will accompany the beet. Take a piece of bread, preferably an older bread, and cut it into small cubes. In a bowl, mix the bread crumbs with the ground walnuts, gradually adding the oil, drop by drop, while continuously mixing as for mayonnaise. It is important to be patient at this stage to achieve a homogeneous paste that will give the sauce a creamy texture. Once you have reached the desired consistency, add the garlic paste you prepared earlier by rubbing garlic with salt until it becomes a fine paste. This will give the sauce a strong and delicious flavor.
After integrating the garlic, drizzle the sauce with vinegar to taste. It is essential to adjust the proportions according to personal preferences; a more acidic vinegar will add a note of freshness, while a milder vinegar will add subtlety. Mix everything for a few minutes until the ingredients are well incorporated, and the sauce becomes a homogeneous paste. Finally, taste the sauce and adjust the salt according to your preferences.
To serve, place the red beet in a bowl or on a flat plate, and generously drizzle the scordolea sauce on top. This combination of flavors is not only tasty but also colorful, having an attractive appearance. The red beet, with its sweet texture, perfectly complements the creamy and aromatic sauce, turning every bite into an exceptional culinary experience. This recipe is perfect to be served as an appetizer or as a side dish, bringing a touch of vitality to your table.
