We based this dish on one that appears in Seven Fires: Grilling the Argentine Way by Francis Mallmann (Artisan, 2009). Smashing the beets creates a flatter, craggier surface, allowing the vegetables to sear nicely in a cast-iron skillet.
Ingredients
- 4 medium red, orange, or yellow beets, scrubbed, ends trimmed, and greens reserved
- 5 tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 4 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 tbsp. canola oil
- 1 cup arugula or spinach
- 4 oz. soft goat cheese
- 30 fried garlic chips, for garnish (optional)
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Instructions
Step 1
Put beets, 4 tbsp. vinegar, 1 tbsp. olive oil, thyme, and bay leaf into a 4-qt. saucepan. Pour in enough water to cover beets by 1" and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until beets are tender and a toothpick slides easily into them, 30–45 minutes. Drain beets and let cool slightly. Working with one beet at a time, put beet between 2 sheets of parchment paper and press with your hand to partially flatten it so that it still remains intact. Repeat with remaining beets and set aside.
Step 2
Heat 2 tbsp. canola oil in a 12" cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until almost smoking. Add two smashed beets and cook, flipping once with a metal spatula, until the skins are charred, about 3 minutes. Repeat with remaining canola oil and beets. Season beets with salt and pepper, divide between 4 serving plates, and set aside.
Step 3
Whisk together remaining vinegar and olive oil in a bowl to make a vinaigrette. Trim and discard thick stems from beet greens and put beet greens and arugula into a medium bowl. Add some of the vinaigrette, toss to combine, and season with salt and pepper. Divide salad between the 4 reserved serving plates; drizzle beets with the remaining vinaigrette and spoon cheese over the beets. Garnish with fried garlic chips, if you like.
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