This is a simple and elegant starter that is perfect for a dinner party. Beets are roasted with balsamic vinegar and thyme, then served on top of toasted baguette slices with creamy goat cheese. A sprinkle of chopped pistachios adds a nice crunch. If you can’t find fresh beets, you can use jarred ones instead.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 grams) fresh beets, scrubbed and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper
- 1 baguette, sliced into thin rounds
- 4 ounces (115 grams) goat cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) chopped pistachios
Method
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
In a roasting pan, toss the beets with the balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes, until the beets are tender when pierced with a knife. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
Meanwhile, brush the baguette slices with olive oil and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, until crispy. Let cool.
To assemble, spread each baguette slice with goat cheese and top with a slice of roasted beet. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Serve immediately.
Potential changes & improvements
If you want to make this dish vegan, you can use a vegan cheese alternative in place of the goat cheese. Nutritional yeast would also be a good option for adding a cheesy flavor.
For a more substantial starter, you could add a poached egg on top of each crostini. This would also make a nice light lunch or brunch dish.
What other food it works well with
This dish would be lovely served with a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, you could add grilled chicken or fish.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake when making roasted beets is to overcook them. Beets should be tender, but still have a bit of bite to them. Otherwise, they can become mushy and fall apart. Another mistake is to not use enough seasonings. Beets can be quite bland on their own, so make sure to season them well with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 crostini
Calories: 107
Fat: 7 g
Saturated fat: 2 g
Unsaturated fat: 4 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Sugar: 3 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 7 mg
Sodium: 210 mg
Allergens: gluten, dairy