Rocket Salad with Pickled Beets and Preserved-Lemon Viniagrette

Ingredients for Rocket Salad with Pickled Beets and Preserved-Lemon Viniagrette

• 1 large red beet (170g), scrubbed

• 1 large yellow beet (170g), scrubbed

• 240ml rice-wine vinegar

• 240ml granulated sugar

• 1 egg white

• 100g shelled raw pistachios

• 1/2 tablespoons Creole or Cajun seasoning

• 1 tablespoon minced preserved lemon

• 90ml extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1/4 teaspoons red pepper flakes

• 1 sprig fresh thyme, leaves finely chopped

• 1 pinch salt

• 140g (8 cups) rocket

• 2 tablespoons good-quality aged balsamic vinegar

• Freshly ground black pepper, for serving

Place each beet in its own small pot, cover with water, and simmer until a paring knife can easily pierce the beets, about 30 minutes. Cool beets, peel, and slice into thin half-moons. Reserve each beet in a separate bowl to ensure that the red beet slices don't stain the yellow ones. Meanwhile, combine the vinegar, sugar, and 240ml water in a small pot. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and divide the hot brine among the beets; let sit at room temperature until pickled, 3 to 4 hours.

Preheat the oven to 149°C. In a small mixing bowl, whip the egg white until frothy, then add the pistachios and spices, toss to coat, and spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until golden and fragrant, 15 minutes. Nuts will crisp as they cool.

In a medium bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until combined.

Arrange the pickled beets on a serving platter. Toss the rocket in the preserved-lemon vinaigrette and place on top of the beets. Sprinkle with the spiced pistachios, drizzle with balsamic, and top with fresh black pepper. Serve immediately.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.