Beetroot and Avocado Tartare

Beetroot and avocado tartare is a fresh, colorful, and nutritious dish, a perfect idea for an appetizer or a light, vegetarian second course. Here’s the recipe with an Italian twist.

Ingredients

• Pre-cooked red beetroots, 2 medium
• Ripe avocado, 1 large
• Lemon juice, 2 tablespoons
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons
• Fresh spring onion, 1 (or shallot, for a more delicate flavor)
• Salt-packed capers, 1 tablespoon (well desalted and chopped)
• Chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon
• Black or white sesame seeds, to garnish (optional)
• Chopped chives, to garnish (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by preparing the beetroots if they are not already pre-cooked. Wrap them individually in aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 60 minutes or until they are tender. Then, transfer them to a bowl of cold water and peel off the skin. If you have pre-cooked beetroots, simply dice them.

2. Peel the avocado and remove the pit, then mash the pulp with a fork and season it with lemon juice to prevent it from darkening. Adjust with salt and pepper.

3. Finely slice the spring onion and chop the previously desalted capers.

4. In a separate bowl, gently mix the beetroot cubes with the spring onion, capers, parsley, a drizzle of oil, salt, and pepper.

5. Use a pastry ring or, if not available, a glass to assemble the tartare. Place a first layer of avocado and press lightly to compact it. Add a layer of seasoned beetroots on top.

6. Carefully remove the pastry ring and garnish the tartare with sesame seeds and some fresh chopped chives for an extra touch of color and flavor.

This tartare can be customized with other ingredients to your liking, such as chopped walnuts, a drizzle of balsamic cream, or arugula for a spicy kick.

Curiosity

Beetroot is much appreciated in the kitchen for its natural sweetness and versatility. Originally from Northern Europe, it has become a staple ingredient for many Italian preparations, especially when paired with goat cheese and in flavorful side dishes.