Sautéed Baby Beets with Tender Greens
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of sautéed baby beets with their tender tops in this delightful dish. The sweet earthiness of the baby beets, combined with the freshness of the beet greens, creates a beautiful and nutritious side that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. Enhanced with the sweet and savory notes of Walla Walla onions, aromatic garlic, and a rich sauce made from oyster sauce and balsamic vinegar, this recipe not only highlights the young beets but also makes for a colorful presentation on your dining table. Perfect for any meal and a great way to utilize every part of the beet, this dish is sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Baby Beets with Tops
1 lb (Washed, tops removed, and larger beets halved)
Walla Walla Onion
1 medium (Roughly chopped)
Garlic
4 cloves (Smashed)
Salt
to taste (None)
Pepper
to taste (None)
Oyster Sauce
2 tablespoons (None)
Balsamic Vinegar
2-3 tablespoons (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the baby beet tops under cold water, ensuring any dirt or grit is removed. Shake off the excess water.
2
Carefully cut the baby beets from their tops, and slice any larger beets in half to ensure even cooking.
3
Remove the tough stems from the beet leaves, discarding them while retaining the tender leaves.
4
In a large non-stick frying pan, heat the olive oil over high heat. Add the chopped Walla Walla onions along with the baby beet pieces.
5
Sauté the mixture for 4-5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and just beginning to soften, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
Add the fresh beet greens to the pan, letting them wilt. Lower the heat to medium and add the smashed garlic, season with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Cook, stirring frequently over the next 2-3 minutes, until the greens are tender and bright in color.
8
Pour in the oyster sauce and balsamic vinegar, mixing everything thoroughly. Cover the pan and allow to cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
9
Once done, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Drain any excess liquid carefully to avoid pressing too much and serve the dish hot immediately, garnished as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ingredients in Sautéed Baby Beets with Tender Greens?
The main ingredients include baby beets with their tops, Walla Walla onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, oyster sauce, and balsamic vinegar.
What parts of the beet are used in this recipe?
This recipe utilizes both the young beet roots and their tender green leaves.
How should I prepare the baby beets before cooking?
Wash the beets thoroughly, cut them from their tops, and slice any larger beets in half to ensure they cook evenly.
What should I do with the beet stems?
You should remove and discard the tough stems from the beet leaves, keeping only the tender leafy parts.
Why are Walla Walla onions used?
Walla Walla onions are used for their mild, sweet, and savory flavor profile which complements the earthiness of the beets.
Can I substitute the Walla Walla onion?
Yes, you can substitute it with any other sweet onion or a standard yellow onion if needed.
What type of oil is best for sautéing the beets?
The recipe recommends using two tablespoons of olive oil.
How do I prepare the garlic for this dish?
The garlic should be smashed to release its aromatic oils and flavor into the dish.
How long do the onions and beets need to sauté initially?
Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes over high heat until the onions are translucent and beginning to soften.
When do I add the beet greens to the pan?
Add the beet greens once the onions and beet pieces have softened slightly, just before adding the garlic and seasonings.
How long does it take for the greens to cook?
The greens should be stirred frequently over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender and bright.
What is the purpose of adding balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and acidic note that balances the savory oyster sauce and earthy beets.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
As written with oyster sauce, it is not strictly vegetarian; however, you can use a vegetarian mushroom-based oyster sauce substitute.
What should I do after adding the sauces?
Mix everything thoroughly, cover the pan, and allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Do I need to peel the baby beets?
No, baby beets have very thin and tender skins that are perfectly fine to eat after a thorough washing.
Should I drain the excess liquid before serving?
Yes, carefully drain any excess liquid to ensure the dish is not overly watery when plated.
How is the dish best served?
It is best served hot immediately after cooking and can be garnished as desired.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nutritious side dish that uses the entire beet plant, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Can I use regular large beets instead of baby beets?
Yes, but you will need to slice them into smaller, bite-sized pieces so they cook through in a similar timeframe.
How do I clean the beet tops?
Wash them under cold water to remove any dirt or grit, then shake off the excess water before prepping.
What texture should the finished beets have?
The beets should be tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork but still retain a bit of structure.
What heat level should I use to wilt the greens?
Lower the heat to medium when adding the greens, garlic, and seasonings to prevent burning.
Can I add other seasonings to this dish?
While the recipe calls for salt and pepper, you can adjust these or add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
What is the total estimated cooking time?
The total cooking time is approximately 15 to 20 minutes once the preparation is complete.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Balsamic is preferred for its specific sweetness, but apple cider vinegar could be used as a substitute.
Does this dish work well as leftovers?
Yes, though the greens are best when fresh, the dish can be reheated gently the next day.
Can I add more garlic if I want?
Absolutely, the 4 cloves are a suggestion and can be increased based on your personal preference.
What kind of frying pan should I use?
A large non-stick frying pan is recommended to prevent the vegetables from sticking during the high-heat sauté.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It depends on the oyster sauce used; many brands contain wheat, so check the label for a certified gluten-free version.
What main courses pair well with these beets?
This side dish pairs excellently with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even a simple grain-based main course.