This is one of those recipes where success relies on the freshness of the ingredients. Use the best-quality Gorgonzola you can find, be it a mild domestic version or the more pungent Italian variety. Either one will pair nicely with the chile oil, which enlivens this classic recipe. This makes for a beautiful presentation on a platter, but you can easily divide the beet slices among individual plates and serve it that way.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4 to 6
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Step 2
Wrap the beet tightly in foil. Place the beet directly on the oven rack and roast it for 40 minutes, or until just tender when pierced with a knife. Unwrap it, let it cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate it until completely chilled. (The beet can be roasted 1 day ahead. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate.)
Step 3
Combine the olive oil and the minced chile in a small saucepan set over medium-high heat. As soon as the chile begins to sizzle and turns orange, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the chile oil to a small bowl and let it cool completely. (The chile oil can be made 1 day ahead. Keep covered at room temperature.)
Step 4
Carefully peel the beet. Using a mandoline set at 1/8-inch thickness, or a very sharp knife, cut the beet into paper-thin rounds. Arrange the beet slices, overlapping, on a large platter. Sprinkle the vinegar all over. Drizzle some of the chile oil (including the minced chile) all over the beets. Season the beet slices generously with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the Gorgonzola over the beets, and serve.
