Imagine a side dish so stunning it turns heads and tantalizes taste buds - our Beets with Orange Tarragon Butter is exactly that culinary masterpiece! This French-inspired recipe elevates humble beets into a sophisticated, vibrant dish that combines earthy sweetness with bright citrus and aromatic herbs. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious food lover, this recipe promises to add a touch of elegance to your meal that will have everyone asking, "What's your secret?"
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 orange, juiced and zested
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Wash the beets thoroughly, then peel them using a vegetable peeler. Cut the beets into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Place the cubed beets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt, tossing to coat evenly.
- Roast the beets in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking. The beets are done when they are tender when pierced with a fork and have slightly caramelized edges.
- While the beets are roasting, prepare the orange tarragon butter. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Zest the entire orange, then juice it. Add the orange zest, orange juice, and finely chopped fresh tarragon to the melted butter. Stir to combine and keep warm.
- Once the beets are roasted, transfer them to a serving dish. Pour the warm orange tarragon butter over the beets, tossing gently to coat.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Garnish with extra fresh tarragon leaves for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while the beets are warm, allowing the citrusy, herbal butter to enhance the natural sweetness of the roasted beets.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Beets: Select firm, smooth beets without soft spots for the best roasting results.
- Uniform Cutting: Ensure all beet cubes are roughly the same size to guarantee even cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd: Spread beets in a single layer on the baking sheet to achieve beautiful caramelization.
- Use Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh tarragon for the most vibrant flavor - dried herbs won't provide the same brightness.
- Zest Before Juicing: It's easier to zest a whole orange before cutting and juicing.
- Low and Slow Butter Melting: Melt butter on low heat to prevent burning and preserve its delicate flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 181kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 3g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 28mg
