Roasted beet arugula and roquefort salad

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2mediumsBeets; peeled
1tablespoonVegetable oil; for roasting beets
2bunchesArugula with medium-size leaves; washed, dried
½cupCrumbled Roquefort cheese
½cupToasted spiced pecans
=== BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE ===
2tablespoonsDion mustard
4tablespoonsBalsamic vinegar
1Egg yolk
1Garlic clove; mashed
½cupExtra-virgin olive oil
½cupVegetable oil
teaspoonSalt and pepper; mixed
=== PECANS ===
1tablespoonButter or vegetable oil
½cupPecans; halves and pieces
1teaspoonSugar
1pinchSalt
Freshly-ground black pepper; to taste
2Pinches garam masala spice mix
=== CHIVE OIL ===
½cupExtra-virgin olive oil
¼cupChopped chives
Salt; to taste
Freshly-ground black pepper; to taste

Directions

Prepare the following 4 steps ahead of time. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, rub beets with vegetable oil and place on a baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and roast for approximately 45 minutes until tender when pierced with a knife. Set aside to cool, then slice into ¼- to ⅛-inch thick slices with knife or mandoline. Reserve juices on bottom of pan for decoration. Place mustard in blender with balsamic vinegar and egg yolk and garlic. Puree together, then slowly drizzle the 2 oils into the blender to make an emulsified dressing. Blend about 1 minute, then add salt and pepper to taste. If dressing is too thick you can add a little water to thin it out. Set aside. Place a saute pan on medium heat, add the butter or oil, when heated add the pecans, sugar, salt and pepper and spices. Toss together and heat until lightly toasted. Set aside. Wash arugula well, it can be sandy depending on what you buy. Spin dry and set aside. In mixing bowl toss arugula with dressing, cheese and pecans, toss well. Arrange sliced beets in a ring on plates, then place arugula in center, taking care to give height to the plate. Sprinkle the cheese and pecans at bottom of bowl onto each salad. In a blender, combine chive oil ingredients and blend well. Transfer to a squeeze bottle. Squeeze a ring of chive oil onto each plate and drizzle a spoonful of beet juices from roasting to give contrasting colors. This recipe yields 4 servings.

Source: "CHEF DU JOUR - (Show # DJ-9580) - from the TV FOOD NETWORK" S(Formatted for MC5): "07-19-1999 by Joe Comiskey - joecomiskey@..."

Recipe by: Matthew Tivy

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