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Elevated Sweet & Spicy Beet Spread
Course: Dips and spreadsCuisine: Middle EasternDifficulty: EasyServings10
servingsBlending time1
minuteCalories110
kcalThis is an elevated version of the sweet and spicy beet spread recipe from the Vitamix culinary exploration center. You get the sweetness from the dates, heat from the jalapeño, acidity from the vinegar, and brightness from the lemon. All that wraps around the natural earthy sweetness of the beets. With each of these elements in place, you can play with the levels depending on your taste. We like ours popping with flavor.
Ingredients
2 Tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
2 Tablespoons (30 g) tahini
2 garlic cloves
2 pitted dates
5 beets, roasted, peeled
1 (15 oz) can (450 g) chickpeas, drained
1/2 lemon, peeled
1 tablespoon (15 ml) white vinegar
1 small jalapeño, seeded
1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Add all ingredients to blender
- Ramp from variable speed 1 to 10.
- Process until smooth, about 1 minnute
- Garnish with chopped beets (or an elevated garnish from below).
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Using a high-performance blender eliminates the need to remove chickpea skins for smooth texture.
- Can be used as a spread or dip for vegetables and chips.
- Simplicity Suggestion:
Peeled and steamed beets are available in most grocery stores. - Ingredient Upgrades:
-Beets: Roast those beets instead of steaming them. Wrap them in foil with a few sprigs of thyme and a splash of sherry vinegar. The slow roasting will concentrate the sugars and add earthiness.
-Vinegar: Replace white vinegar with a 50/50 blend of sherry and champagne vinegar; it’ll add complexity without being too sharp.
-Garlic: Smoke cloves before using
-Jalapeños: Pickle your own with some caraway seeds
-Dates: Substitute with 2 teaspoons pomegranate molasses
-Salt: Finish with Maldon sea salt instead of regular salt - Elevated Garnishes:
-Dukkah (Egyptian nut/spice blend)
-Pomegranate seeds when in season for texture and brightness.
-Fresh mint leaves, torn
-High-quality finishing olive oil - Pro Tips:
Chill it for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld
Allow spread to come to room temperature before serving to maximize flavors - Storage:
-Spread will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
-Garnishes should be stored separately
-Do not freeze
2 responses to “Elevated Sweet & Spicy Beet Spread”
I’d like to make this, as it sounds delicious. Can you give the weight needed for beets, instead of just 5. Also a measurement of cooking liquid. Beets vary so much in size. Thanks
When we wrote this recipe we didn’t even know you could steam your own beets! This is written specifically for packaged pre-steamed beets that are packaged in their own liquid (they are usually golf ball sized). If you’re using your own roasted beets I would think one tennis ball sized one would be comparable and just add all of the juice that collects while cooking. Luckily this recipe does not need to be perfectly measured, just measure with your heart 🙂
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