From a young age, the art of belly dancing has always intrigued me with its mesmerizing costumes, delicate finger cymbals, and glittering jewels that accentuate every graceful movement. I’ve even dipped my toes into belly dance classes, discovering it’s a fun, albeit challenging, activity. The Westernized version of belly dancing, with its flowing costumes and shimmering accessories, draws inspiration from the Ghawazi dancers of Egypt. “Ghawazi,” an Arabic term meaning “conqueror,” aptly describes how a dancer captivates her audience. This brings me to wonder: if food is indeed the way to someone’s heart, doesn’t this Belly Dance Beet Salad amplify our charm? This salad is an adventure for the palate – exotic, yet approachable and simple to create. The flavors are harmonious, both familiar and surprisingly novel. Enjoy it at room temperature to fully appreciate its vibrant character.
Roasted beets and pistachios with citrus dressing for Belly Dance Beet Salad
Belly Dance Beet Salad Recipe
Serves 2-4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour
This vibrant Belly Dance Beet Salad is a delightful combination of roasted red beets, crunchy pistachios, and a zesty citrus dressing. It’s an exotic yet easy-to-make dish that’s both Paleo and Whole30 compliant, perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 bunches of beets (approximately 2 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- 1/3 cup shelled pistachios
- Juice of 1/2 large orange (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- A few shakes of ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 scallions, white and green parts, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
Directions:
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Get Started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Roast the Beets: Wash the beets thoroughly, and trim off the stem and root ends. Peeling is optional! Cut the beets in half and toss them with the melted coconut oil. Spread them on one of the prepared baking sheets and roast for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
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Toast the Pistachios: While the beets are roasting, spread the shelled pistachios in a single layer on the second baking sheet. Add the pistachios to the oven during the last 7-10 minutes of the beets’ roasting time to toast them. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from the oven and let them cool completely. Then, coarsely chop the pistachios.
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Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, red wine vinegar, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in the extra-virgin olive oil until the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified.
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Assemble the Salad: Once the roasted beets are cool enough to handle, cut them into ½-inch cubes. For easy cleanup, you can use the same parchment paper you used for roasting as a surface on your cutting board. Place the cubed beets in a large bowl and pour the citrus dressing over them. Toss gently to coat all the beets evenly with the dressing.
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Final Touches: Add the chopped scallions and toasted pistachios to the bowl with the dressed beets. Toss everything together gently with two spoons to ensure even distribution of ingredients. Allow the salad to cool to room temperature before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Discard the Beet Greens!
Beet greens are nutritious and delicious! Wash the beet tops thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Chop them and steam or sauté them in a pan with a little water until tender. Toss the cooked beet greens with a bit of ghee or coconut oil, salt, pepper, and a clove of crushed garlic for extra flavor. Serve these sautéed beet greens as a bed of deliciousness underneath your room temperature Belly Dance Beet Salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
This Belly Dance Beet Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. The vibrant colors and exotic flavors will transport your taste buds, just like the captivating movements of a belly dancer. Enjoy this unique salad as a refreshing side dish or a light lunch – it’s sure to become a dance of flavors in your mouth!
