Cider-Braised Beets

These delightful beets from Rick Rodgers’ The Big Book of Sides are sure to be a new favorite.

Ingredients:
1 cup fresh apple cider
1 bunch beets, green tops removed, peeled and cut into ½-inch-rounds
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons finely-chopped fresh tarragon
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper

Method:
1. Combine 1½ cups water, the cider and butter in a large, deep, non-reactive skillet. Add the beets and enough water, if needed, to barely cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat.

2. Reduce the heat to medium and cover the skillet with the lid ajar. Cook at a brisk simmer until the beets are just tender when pierced with the tip of a small, sharp knife, about 20 minutes. Season the beets to taste with salt and pepper.

3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beets to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with the tarragon and serve.

Classic Red Beans & Rice

Slow-simmered with chicken stock, herbs and spices, these luscious red beans get an extra-flavorful kick from Andouille sausage.

Ingredients:
1 pound Rosita red beans
1 pound Andouille sausage, sautéed and sliced
¼ cup olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1-2 sweet red peppers, seeded and cut into ½-inch pieces
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
½ cup celery, cut into ¼-inch cubes
4 cups chicken stock, plus 2 cups water
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if desired)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
¼ teaspoon dried sage
1 bay leaf
3 tablespoons coarsely chopped parsley
Cooked long-grain jasmine rice, for serving
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:
1. Rinse and sort beans, and then soak in a large pot of water overnight.

2. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, red pepper, garlic, and celery in olive oil for 3-4 minutes. Rinse soaked beans, then transfer to a large pot with 4 cups chicken stock and 2 cups water. Stir sautéed vegetables into beans. Season with cayenne pepper (if using), paprika, thyme, sage, bay leaf and parsley. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer gently for 2½ hours until the beans are just tender.

3. Stir sausage into beans, and continue to simmer for 30 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, prepare the rice. Once the beans and sausage mixture is ready, serve them over the steamed jasmine rice.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Buttered Breadcrumbs

Topped with buttery, golden brown breadcrumbs, these Brussels sprouts are the epitome of comfort food.

Ingredients:
1½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed of tough ends, then halved (if large)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Grana-style cheese
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper

Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°. Lightly oil a heavy baking sheet. Mound the Brussels sprouts on the sheet pan, drizzle the olive oil over them and toss gently to coat. Arrange the sprouts in a single uncrowded layer.

2. Roast for about 15 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally to ensure even cooking, until the sprouts are tender and lightly browned.

3. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan and add breadcrumbs. Toss to combine and season generously with salt and pepper.

4. Remove the sprouts from the oven, sprinkle the breadcrumbs mixture over them evenly and return them to the oven. Roast for another 6-8 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are toasted and golden. Serve hot.

Citrus-Beet Slaw

A refreshing, spring take on classic coleslaw!

Ingredients:
3 medium oranges
1 large bunch baby red beets, peeled and shredded
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
¼ teaspoon salt, plus more as needed
Fresh Italian parsley, chopped

Method:
1. Using a fine grater, grate the zest from one of the oranges. Juice two of the oranges and then peel, seed and dice the remaining orange.

2. In a small bowl, combine the orange juice and zest, olive oil and then the lemon juice and zest. Whisk in the salt and set aside.

3. In a salad bowl, combine the diced oranges with the shredded beets. Drizzle with the dressing, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes, tossing the salad a few times as it chills. Taste for seasoning and add more salt as needed; garnish with the parsley before serving.

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