A Taste of Sweden: Swedish Beets with Horseradish Cream
Beets are a vibrant and versatile root vegetable, enjoyed around the world in various culinary creations. But did you know that Swedish beets hold a special place in Swedish cuisine?
A Swedish Staple: Beets have been a staple crop in Sweden for centuries, thriving in the country’s cool climate. They were originally valued for their nutritional benefits, offering a valuable source of vitamins and minerals during harsh winters. Today, Swedish beets are not only appreciated for their health properties but also for their unique earthy sweetness and vibrant color. They’re featured in various dishes, from salads and soups to hearty stews and even desserts.
The Perfect Holiday Side: This recipe for Swedish beets with horseradish cream is a delightful way to experience the taste of Sweden at home. It’s a simple yet elegant side dish that complements a variety of main courses, making it a perfect addition to your holiday feast. Imagine these Swedish beets alongside a juicy prime rib or a flavorful roast turkey – the combination of sweet, earthy beets and the tangy horseradish cream creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Simple Elegance: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a restaurant-worthy side dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ready to embark on your Swedish beet adventure?
Let’s gather the ingredients!
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds beets, scrubbed
- 2-3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup drained prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons finely minced chives
Bringing it Together:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the beets roast evenly and become tender.
- Prep the beets: Scrub the beets thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. No need to peel them – the skin adds color and nutrients to the dish. Simply trim off the tops and tails.
- Roasting magic: In a large roasting pan, toss the beets with olive oil. Coating them in oil helps them roast evenly and prevents them from drying out.
- Seal the deal: Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil. This traps the steam and moisture, creating a steaming environment that helps the beets cook through and become tender.
- Roasting time: Place the pan in the preheated oven and roast the beets for about 1 1/2 hours, or until they are easily pierced with a fork. The roasting time may vary slightly depending on the size of your beets.
- While the beets are roasting, prepare the horseradish cream: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Start with a little horseradish and gradually add more to your desired level of spiciness.
- Letting the beets cool: Once the roasting time is complete, remove the pan from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Let the beets cool slightly before handling them.
- Cutting the beets: Once cool enough to handle, cut the beets into wedges. You can use wedges of various sizes, depending on your preference.
- Bringing it all together: In a serving bowl, toss the cooled beet wedges with half of the prepared horseradish cream. You can adjust the amount of horseradish cream to your liking, adding more for a stronger flavor or keeping it lighter for a milder taste.
- The finishing touch: Garnish the Swedish beets with horseradish cream with a sprinkle of freshly minced chives. The vibrant green color adds a delightful pop of freshness to the dish.
Serving Tips
- Serve these Swedish beets with horseradish cream warm or at room temperature.
- They pair beautifully with various main courses, including roasted meats, roasted turkey and even fish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
A Final Note
This recipe offers a glimpse into the delicious world of Swedish cuisine. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make this Swedish beets with horseradish cream a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. So, embrace the vibrant flavors of Sweden and enjoy this delightful side dish!
More Recipes
- How to Roast Beets
- Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
- Swedish Pancakes
- Creamy Horseradish Sauce
- How to Roast Garlic
🍽️ Ready for more Chef Tips?
If you make this recipe, please leave me a comment and rating with a ❤️ or ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. You can also find me on Instagram, X, Facebook or Tik Tok. Finally, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for video demonstrations of more than 300 recipes! I’ll guide you through each step, sharing tips and tricks, and insider secrets gleaned from the chefs around the world. Let’s embark on more delicious adventures together!
Swedish Beets with Horseradish Cream
Recipe by Jason Hill – CookingSessions.comIngredients
- 3 pounds beets scrubbed
- 2-3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup drained prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons finely minced chives
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F.
- Coat the beets in olive oil in a roasting pan.
- Cover with foil and bake until tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Cut into wedges when cool.
- Make the Horseradish Sauce: Mix the horseradish, sour cream, lemon juice and salt and pepper to your taste.
- Place the cooled beets in a bowl. Coat with half (or desired amount) of horseradish cream and sprinkle with chives.
