Golden Beets with Smoked Trout & Dill

Golden Beets with Smoked Trout & Dill

As a kid, I never looked twice at a beet.  Back then, they were a vegetable I was usually forced to eat, but never consumed by choice. I think a lot of it had to do with how they were prepared or maybe integrated into a dish. As a youth, no one ever showed me what an absolutely awesome vegetable the beet actually was.  When they’re perfectly roasted, the beet’s natural sweetness and earthiness is developed.

I was invited to a birthday brunch last weekend, and was given the task of bringing an appetizer. I thought these Golden Beets with Smoked Trout and Dill was the perfect choice to bring. Growing up in Philadelphia, bagels and lox was a Sunday morning staple, so this was my take on that dish. The combination of the sweet beets, the smokey taste of the fish and the tart cream cheese was loved by all.  I like when that happens.

Roasted Golden Beets

Roasted Golden Beets with Smoked Trout & Dill 

• 12 medium size golden beets or 6 large
• 1 package of Smoked Trout (usually in the deli section)
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• couple sprigs of dill
• salt & pepper to taste
• olive oil
• 24 water crackers

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Cut the green, leafy tops off of the beets. Place all the beets in a large bowl, and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper and then toss to coat. Wrap 3 beets (if using small ones, or 1 at a time if using large ones)  in aluminum foil to make little packets.
2. Place the aluminum packets on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 40-45 minutes. The size of the beet will determine how long you need to roast it. A larger, denser beet will take longer. The beets are done when you can pierce them with a fork. When they’re done, open the packets and let the beets cool. Once cooled, place the beet in between a paper towel and rub the beet skin right off.
3. Slice the beets into 1/8 – 1/4 inch slices.
4. Place a beet slice on a water cracker, top with a little dollop of cream cheese, a piece of the smoked trout, and a tiny sprig of dill.

Mama’s Tips

The size of the beet will determine the cooking time. Larger sized beets will take longer in the oven. They’re done when you can pierce them easily with a fork.

You can find the packaged Smoked Trout in the deli section of your market with the packaged lunch meats and smoked salmon. I bought a 5 ounce package, and it was plenty.

Golden Beets with Smoked Trout & Dill

Recipe: Easy

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