Looking for an elegant and flavorful appetizer? This Beetroot Carpaccio recipe is a must-try! Thinly sliced beetroots drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette and topped with fresh herbs—it's a dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious. Simple to prepare and bursting with color, it's perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.
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What Is Beetroot Carpaccio?
Beetroot carpaccio is a delightful vegetarian twist on the classic Italian carpaccio, traditionally made with thin slices of raw meat or fish. In this vibrant alternative, paper-thin slices of beetroot take center stage, artfully seasoned with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. The dish is beautifully garnished with nuts, creamy goat cheese or feta, fresh herbs, and a touch of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, bringing a harmony of flavors and textures that make it a perfect appetizer or side.
Why This Recipe Works
- Elegant Presentation: Beetroot Carpaccio is visually stunning, with thinly sliced beetroot arranged beautifully on a plate, making it perfect for impressing guests.
- Delicate Flavors: The combination of sweet, earthy beetroot with a tangy vinaigrette and fresh herbs creates a delicate and delicious flavor profile.
- Easy to Prepare: This dish is simple to make yet looks and tastes gourmet, making it an ideal appetizer or light lunch option.
🥘 Ingredients
- Beetroot: Vibrant red cooked beetroots serve as the base for this colorful and flavorful dish.
- Lemon Zest: Adds a zingy citrus aroma and flavor to complement the earthiness of the beetroots.
- Olive Oil: Enhances the richness and adds a smooth texture to the dish.
- Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy kick and helps to emulsify the dressing.
- Rocket Leaves: Contribute freshness and a hint of bitterness to balance the sweetness of the beetroots.
- Goat Cheese: Adds a luxurious texture and a delightful contrast to the beetroots.
- Pistachio Nuts: Offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, elevating the dish with their richness.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Beet Salad Medley with Classic Beef Carpaccio: Whip up a flavor-packed dish by pairing beef carpaccio with a beet salad of mixed greens, roasted beets, and candied pecans. Top with a light vinaigrette, pomegranate seeds, and fresh herbs for a delicious and eye-catching meal.
- Golden Beets and Beef Duo Carpaccio: Layer thinly sliced golden beetroots and tender beef slices alternately for a colorful presentation.
- Raw Meat Medley Carpaccio: Combine raw meat slices with beetroot carpaccio, smoked salmon, and capers for a diverse and flavorful platter.
🔪How To Make Beetroot Carpaccio
Step One: Cut the cooked or roasted beets into thin slices. Lay the thinly sliced beets out on a large serving plate, overlapping them slightly for a beautiful presentation.
Step Two: Wash the lemon thoroughly and grate the zest. Sprinkle the lemon zest evenly over the beetroot slices.
Step Three: Sprinkle a handful of fresh rocket leaves over the beetroot slices.
Step Four: Place small pieces or crumbles of your chosen cheese (such as goat cheese or feta) on top of the beetroot and rocket leaves.
Step Five: In a mason jar, combine mustard and olive oil, ensuring they are well mixed. This blend will serve as a flavorful base for your dressing, adding a rich and tangy taste to your salads or dishes.
Step Six: Drizzle a mixture of mustard and olive oil over the entire dish, ensuring an even distribution. Finish by sprinkling chopped pistachio nuts over the top for added crunch and flavor. Sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper if desired. Your Beetroot Carpaccio is now ready to serve! Enjoy this elegant and flavorful appetizer.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Drizzle with High-Quality Olive Oil: Finish the dish with a drizzle of premium quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavors and add a luscious mouthfeel.
- Select Fresh and Vibrant Beetroots: Choose beetroots that are firm, without any soft spots, and have vibrant skin color for the best flavor and texture.
- Lemon Zest Swap: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the beetroot slices for a tangy citrus flavor.
💭 FAQs
Beets are a fantastic match for all kinds of meats, giving a sweet, earthy boost to hearty dishes. They go great with red meats like beef and lamb, making dishes like roasts and steaks even more delicious. Duck and pork are also tasty with beets, especially when you add a little sweetness or a spicy kick to the mix. If you’re looking for something lighter, chicken is a great choice too. It’s especially good when it’s grilled or roasted, balancing out the strong flavor of beets perfectly.
Yes, you can use pre-cooked beetroot to save time. Just make sure to slice it thinly and season it well with your chosen ingredients. Fresh beetroot, however, offers a slightly firmer texture and richer flavor.
To add more depth, drizzle it with a tangy balsamic reduction, sprinkle some crumbled goat cheese or feta, and top with fresh herbs like arugula or thyme. A touch of olive oil and lemon juice also enhances the flavor profile.
Yes, beetroot carpaccio can be prepared in advance. You can slice and season the beetroot, then cover it and refrigerate for up to a day. Just add your garnish and dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.
Absolutely! beetroot carpaccio is naturally vegan when you skip cheese or any dairy-based toppings. You can enhance it with plant-based ingredients like avocado, nuts, or seeds for a satisfying dish.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Here are my favorite sides to serve with Beetroot Carpaccio:
- Crostinis: Toasted crostinis topped with herbed goat cheese make a delightful accompaniment to the beetroot carpaccio.
- Creamy Burrata: Serve slices of creamy burrata cheese alongside the beetroot carpaccio for a rich and indulgent pairing.
- Toasted Baguette Slices: Offer toasted baguette slices brushed with olive oil and garlic for a crunchy contrast to the soft beetroot slices.
- Mixed Greens: Serve a side of mixed greens lightly dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to add freshness and color to the plate.
- Add a little Homemade Garlic Parm Sauce for a contrast to the beets.
🍽 Related Recipes
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Beetroot Carpaccio
Ingredients
- 3 Beetroot
- 1 Lemon Zested
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 Cup Rocket Leaves
- 50 g Goat Cheese
- 20 g Pistachio Nuts Chopped
Instructions
- Cut the cooked or roasted beets into thin slices.
- Lay the thinly sliced beets out on a large serving plate, overlapping them slightly for a beautiful presentation.
- Wash the lemon thoroughly and grate the zest. Sprinkle the lemon zest evenly over the beetroot slices.
- Sprinkle a handful of fresh rocket leaves over the beetroot slices.
- Place small pieces or crumbles of your chosen cheese (such as goat cheese or feta) on top of the beetroot and rocket leaves.
- Drizzle a mixture of mustard and olive oil over the entire dish, ensuring an even distribution.
- Finish by sprinkling chopped pistachio nuts over the top for added crunch and flavor. Sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper if desired.
- Your Beetroot Carpaccio is now ready to serve! Enjoy this elegant and flavorful appetizer.
