Saturday, March 26, 2011

Beet Dip with White Crudites

The adage “we eat with our eyes” is sometimes associated with visuals of gooey, melting cheese or thick, rich, chocolate sauce, but here, it came into play simply because of color. This is an uncomplicated dip made from just a few ingredients so it wasn’t the process of making it that was so interesting, but that bright pink color was something I couldn’t forget. I’m already a fan of beets whether they’re red, golden, or candy cane striped so I knew I’d like the flavor of grated beets in a sour cream dip. Mostly though, I wanted that color of a dip on the table surrounded by crisp, white vegetables like cauliflower, Belgian endive, and celery hearts. I saw the recipe in the December issue of Food and Wine, and I kept it in mind until I finally had an occasion to make it.

Red beets were peeled and then grated on a box grater. Meanwhile, finely chopped red onion was sauteed in some olive oil, and then the grated beets were added. Water was poured over the onion and beets, and the saute pan was covered so the vegetables could simmer for about five minutes. The cover was removed, red wine vinegar and honey were added, and the mixture was cooked while stirring until the liquid evaporated. Once cooked and allowed to cool a bit, the vegetables were combined with sour cream, and it was ready to serve.

A dip made with golden beets would have been just as delicious, but I might not have remembered it so well. And, certainly any vegetables could be served with this dip, but the pale, just barely green colors of those suggested made for a striking platter with the bowl of pink dip.



32 comments:

  1. This dip sounds amazing. First I love beets and second any type of dip is perfect. This is on my list of must makes. Enjoy your weekend!

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  2. I make it often in my home...would add onion and taste it the next time.

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  3. What a splendid dip! Beetroots are so versatile and delicious.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  4. Love the colors of that beetdip! I love the color of beet in general but here it is really striking...

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  5. lovely dip recipe.... Color of beetroot is standing out nicely .. Nice blog Lisa.

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  6. Wow the bright pink is definitely something I've never seen before! Grated beets and sour cream sounds amazing :)

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  7. This sounds fabulous since I love beets and the pink color is just astonishing! In Greece we make a beetroot dip with Greek yoghurt which I have made ages ago and never posted.

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  8. This dip looks awesome. And beautiful too! A favoite wine bar in New York serves a similar dip as a snack, and I just love it!

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  9. The sweet beets and sour cream must be a balance of flavors as a dip!

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  10. Ooh that colour is amazing! I was reading your blog on my iPad and someone looked over my shoulder at it fascinated at the colour!

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  11. I eat with my eyes, nose, fingers, mouth, everything, and I savor a food before I ever put it into my mouth. I am intrigued by this recipe and the color and texture does make it really tempting. I can imagine how great the combo of sweet beets and tangy sour cream is! We grew up adding a great big dollop of sour cream to our borsht! Great recipe!

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  12. With the sour cream, definitely memories of Borscht from when I was a child - which, unfortunately, I absolutely hated! I just started liking beets last year! So glad I gave them another few tries. Your dip looks gorgeous, such a vibrant pink-red. Can't 'beat' beets when it comes to natural food color. :)

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  13. I made beet dip a while ago and inhaled it! Love the color but most of all the sweet taste of that vegetable and the creaminess of the dip, yum.

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  14. I love beets and this looks so pretty. The perfect spring appetizer!

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  15. I love the addition of red wine vinegar and honey- sounds delicious! And yes, we do eat with our eyes so it's good to see that natural, unadulterated foods can be just as visually appealing as food color laden foods. Let's hope the FDA recognizes this as well:-)

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  16. I always end up doing the same thing with beets. I should start doing more dishes with it. This looks great.

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  17. I absolutely love beets!! You have a gorgeous looking beet dip that is healthy and delish!!
    Cheers

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  18. Stunning color, I am going to have to try this, even if my beloved is not too wild about beets.

    I am wondering if roasted beets could be used as the starting point of this dip too, that would help me, as I don't have a box grater at the moment.

    was this part of your Bday party?
    ;-) Isn't the big day this week?

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  19. I AM TRES OBSESSED WITH BEETROOT AT THE MOMENT! infact, I got a whole pink food thing going on. Loving your site. Yay!
    Miss T
    xx

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  20. Sally: I think chopped, roasted beets would work fine too. And, today is the big day!

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  21. Just gorgeous! I find that when I cater, I often end up with lots of brown food. I'm not sure how that happens and I always like to have a back-pocket recipe for something really striking visually. Totally going to use this sometime soon!

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  22. Well, I hope you don't mind me shouting in the comments: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LISA!

    I look forward to reading about your celebration, I imagine you will be cooking something, or maybe having a nice dinner out...

    whatever it is, enjoy your day!!!!

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  23. Very colorful and pretty and sounds flavorful too! Great dip! Is it your birthday today? Happy birthday :)

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  24. what an unusual yet wonderful dip! beet is so healthy and the colour is gorgeous.

    oh it's your special day - happy birthday! have a great bday celebration week :)

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  25. Awesome ;) I made a similar recipe not long ago & could hardly stop going back & having another taste and then another taste, there was hardly any left by the time our friends arrived. Its such a good taste huh. The colour alone is awesome huh

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  26. It really looks delicious, I love such dips with turkish bread :)

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  27. Oh my gosh. I can't help but think this would be a perfect dip for Valentine's Day or a girlie get together over wine. It's just so darned purdy! Thanks for sharing!

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  28. The luscious color of this dip alone is enough to make me want to eat it! Amazing.

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  29. eating with eyes indeed. There is something so appealing and earthy about this beautiful veggie.And what a pretty idea to serve it with white crudites.

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  30. LOVE beets! I've done roasted beets with orange or grapefruit segments, nuts and blue cheese on an endive.

    Your spread is so pretty! Yum.

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  31. Very refreshing this picture, love the contrast! I have to check out the recipe. Would be perfect for the warm weather. BTW, you have won a copy of my cookbook : )

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