Orange-Scented Roasted Beets and Walnuts

FASTER

VEGETARIAN

GLUTEN-FREE

Makes 6 servings

Why don’t more people love beets? They’re sweet and earthy, nutritious and tasty. And they’re much better roasted than steamed! The one problem is the way they can stain your hands (and counter and clothes). For your hands, wear rubber gloves if you’re worried. Or use a pumice soap to clean up. Or substitute so-called candy-stripe beets for the purple ones. For your counters, a good surface cleaner can take up the mess (except for wood, which will have to wear away). As for your clothes, you’re on your own.

3 pounds purple beets, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ cup chopped walnuts

2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest

1 tablespoon honey

½ teaspoon table salt

1. Position the rack in the center of the oven. Place a large lipped baking sheet in the oven and heat the oven to 375°F.

2. Put the beets in a medium, microwave-safe bowl. Add enough water to barely cover them.

3. In a 950-watt oven, microwave the beets on high for 7 minutes; in a 1200-watt oven, microwave on high for 6 minutes.

4. Drain in a colander set in the sink. Return the beets to the bowl and add the oil. Toss well to coat.

5. Scrape the beets and any oil onto the hot baking sheet. Arrange the beets in one layer. Roast for 15 minutes, tossing once.

6. Add the walnuts, rosemary, vinegar, orange zest, honey, and salt. Toss well, then continue roasting until the beets are tender, about 5 minutes.

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Voilà! It’s easy to make whole grains like wheat berries, rye berries, and triticale as a side dish in a slow cooker—with no soaking beforehand. Mix the grains with plenty of water (figure on a ratio of about 1 cup grain to 2 cups water). Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours, depending on the grains’ moisture content before cooking. Serve them with butter, table salt, and pepper—or go further with a smooth red hot sauce like Sriracha, grated nutmeg, and walnut oil; or finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, minced fresh oregano, and Worcestershire sauce.