I love this salad, or side dish, or whatever you want to call it. It's perfect for Thanksgiving because you can make it ahead of time and serve it at room temperature, but it's good pretty straight from the oven too. Plus it makes a lovely cold accompaniment to your day after sandwich.
I need to add, though I'm certain that you already know this, that if you or anybody you know thinks brussels sprouts are gross it's because you haven't had them roasted. The outer leaves get crispy and browned in the hot oven, the center gets tender, and they have a mellow sweet-bitter flavor that is wonderful with the earthiness of the beets and the slightly sharp maple mustard dressing. Good, good stuff.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Beets with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
Serves 4 - 6
- 1 pound brussels sprouts
- 2 large beets
- olive oil, salt, and pepper
- 1/2 cup toasted walnut pieces
- vinaigrette:
- 1 medium shallot, roasted
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Heat the oven to 400. Cut large brussels sprouts in half, and trim any tough stems. Peel and cut the beets into biggish chunks (about an inch). Peel the shallot. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and nicely browned.
Remove from the oven and let cool while you prepare the vinaigrette. Roughly chop the shallot and throw it and the other ingredients for the vinaigrette into the blender. Puree until smooth. In a medium bowl, toss the vinaigrette with the brussels sprouts, beets, and walnuts. Taste for salt and pepper, and serve. Can be prepared up to two days ahead of time.
Today I am thankful for my neighborhood. Incredibly rare for Los Angeles, I can walk to just about everything I need - Desmond's pre-school, the dreamiest park (where we took that picnic to yesterday), a great library with a children's story time, a weekly farmers market, Trader Joes, the post office, a train stop, and really nice people. I am so lucky.
