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Beet and Rye Panzanella

Image may contain Plant Food and Salad
Alex Lau

Use whatever bread you have lying around, but we like the earthy flavor combo of rye and beets.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 Servings

Ingredients

1½ pounds small beets, any color, scrubbed (about 10)
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar, plus more for serving
Kosher salt
½ loaf rye bread, crusts removed, torn into 1-inch pieces (about 6 cups)
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided, plus more for serving
Freshly ground black pepper
1 large orange
4 ounces ricotta salata (salted dried ricotta), crumbled
1 cup torn fresh herbs (such as dill, parsley, tarragon, and mint)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 425°. Place beets in a shallow 2-qt. baking dish and add water to come ½" up sides. Cover dish tightly with foil and bake beets until tender and a cake tester or paring knife easily slides through flesh, 45–60 minutes. Let cool slightly.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, toss onion, 3 Tbsp. vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl to combine; set aside.

    Step 3

    Toss torn bread and 2 Tbsp. oil on a rimmed baking sheet to coat; season with salt and pepper. Bake, tossing once, until bread is golden brown and crisp around edges, 8–10 minutes; set aside.

    Step 4

    Rub beets with paper towels to remove skins, then halve (or quarter if large) and place in a large bowl; add onion with liquid.

    Step 5

    Using a small sharp knife, remove peel and white pith from orange. Working over bowl with beets, cut between membranes to release segments into bowl. Squeeze membranes to release juices; discard. Add reserved toasted bread and 2 Tbsp. oil and toss to combine. Let sit a few minutes for flavors to meld.

    Step 6

    Just before serving, fold in ricotta salata and herbs, drizzle with more oil and vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.

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