Baked beetroot with baharat, yogurt and sesame

Baked beetroot with baharat, yogurt and sesame. Photograph: Harry Weir
Baked beetroot with baharat, yogurt and sesame. Photograph: Harry Weir
Serves: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cooking Time: 2 hrs 0 mins

Ingredients

  • 1kg raw beetroot, different varieties if possible
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1tbs roasted sesame oil
  • 1tbs olive oil
  • 1tsp thyme leaves
  • 1tsp baharat (or mixed spice)
  • Salt and pepper
  • FOR THE CRUST:
  • 200g Greek yogurt
  • 200g soft cream cheese
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1tsp honey
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2tbs sesame seeds

1 Wash, then boil the beetroot in plenty of salted water until tender – it will take at least one hour, maybe more, depending on size.

2 When the beets are cool, peel them, wear rubber gloves, then cut into one centimetre slices. This can be done ahead of time.

3 Place the beets in a bowl along with the orange zest, sesame oil, olive oil, thyme and baharat or mixed spice.

4 Season, then arrange in a casserole.

5 Set the oven to 185 degrees.

6 Whisk the yogurt with the cream cheese, eggs and honey. Season, then spoon the mixture over the beetroot. Scatter the sesame seeds on top. Bake for 25 minutes till golden.

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Paul Flynn

Paul Flynn

Paul Flynn is a chef, restaurateur and contributor to The Irish Times. He and his wife, Máire, run the Tannery restaurant and cookery school in Dungarvan, Co Waterford