๐๐ฅ Angelini Beet Salad: A Colorful Delight! ๐๐ฅ
What is it?
The Angelini Beet Salad is a vibrant and delicious dish that combines the earthy sweetness of beets with a medley of fresh ingredients. It’s a refreshing salad known for its burst of colors and flavors.
History:
The exact origin of the Angelini Beet Salad is a bit elusive, but it’s a popular salad at Italian restaurants, especially in the Angelini Osteria in Los Angeles. Italian cuisine has a rich history of using fresh, seasonal ingredients, and beets have been cultivated in the Mediterranean region for centuries. Combining them in a salad is a delightful modern twist.
Components:
- Beets: The star of the dish, beets provide a natural sweetness and vibrant color. You can use both red and golden beets for added visual appeal.
- Arugula: Peppery and slightly bitter, arugula adds a contrasting flavor and a pleasant crunch.
- Goat Cheese: Creamy goat cheese brings a tangy creaminess to the salad, complementing the sweetness of the beets.
- Toasted Walnuts: Walnuts provide a satisfying nutty crunch and a hint of bitterness.
- Citrus Vinaigrette: A zesty dressing made with fresh citrus juice, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard ties all the ingredients together.
Steps to Prepare:
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Roast the Beets:
- Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Trim the beet greens, leaving about an inch of stem.
- Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil after drizzling with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Roast for about 45-60 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Let them cool, then peel and slice into rounds or wedges.
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Prepare the Citrus Vinaigrette:
- Mix fresh citrus juice (lemon and orange), olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust the quantities to your taste.
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Assemble the Salad:
- Arrange a bed of arugula on a serving platter.
- Scatter the roasted beet slices on top.
- Crumble goat cheese evenly over the beets.
- Sprinkle with toasted walnuts for added texture and flavor.
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Drizzle with Citrus Vinaigrette:
- Gently drizzle the citrus vinaigrette over the salad.
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Serve:
- Your Angelini Beet Salad is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as a colorful appetizer or a refreshing side dish.
Time Needed:
- Roasting beets: 45-60 minutes.
- Salad assembly: 10-15 minutes.
- Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 10-15 minutes.
This Angelini Beet Salad is not only visually appealing with its vibrant colors but also a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. Enjoy creating and savoring this delightful dish! ๐๐ฅ๐
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for the Angelini Beet Salad:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Total Fat: 16-18g
- Saturated Fat: 4-5g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8-10g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2-3g
- Cholesterol: 10-15mg
- Sodium: 250-300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Dietary Fiber: 4-5g
- Sugars: 14-16g
- Protein: 6-8g
Health Information:
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Beets: Beets are rich in fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), minerals (like potassium), and antioxidants. They are known for supporting heart health, aiding digestion, and reducing inflammation.
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Arugula: Arugula is low in calories and a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. It also provides folate and calcium. It’s a great choice for bone health and eye health.
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Goat Cheese: Goat cheese is lower in fat and calories compared to some other cheeses. It’s a good source of calcium and protein while being easier to digest for some individuals who are lactose intolerant.
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Walnuts: Walnuts are packed with healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which are heart-healthy. They also provide antioxidants, fiber, and protein.
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Citrus Vinaigrette: The vinaigrette, when made with olive oil, provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The citrus juice adds vitamin C, which boosts your immune system.
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Overall Health: This salad is a great choice for those looking to increase their vegetable intake. It’s low in saturated fat and provides a range of essential nutrients. However, the calorie count may vary depending on the portion size and the amount of dressing used, so it’s important to be mindful of portions if you’re watching your calorie intake.
As with any dish, moderation and balance are key to a healthy diet. Enjoying this Angelini Beet Salad in combination with a variety of other foods can contribute to a well-rounded and nutritious meal plan.
