Have you ever craved a unique side dish that is not only delicious but also visually stunning? Look no further – pink beet rice is here to satisfy your taste buds and please your eyes! Combining the earthy flavor of beets with the fragrant aroma of rice, this recipe is a true winner. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests at a dinner party or simply want to elevate your weekday dinner, this unforgettable pink beet rice will surely do the trick!.

Ingredients:

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather the key ingredients required for this delightful dish:.

2 medium-sized beets
2 cups of rice (jasmine or basmati works well)
4 cups of vegetable broth
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of cumin powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Beets

Start by washing the beets thoroughly to remove any dirt and impurities. Once cleaned, trim the tops and roots of the beets. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Roasting the Beets

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the beets on a baking sheet and drizzle them with a little olive oil. Wrap the beets tightly in aluminum foil, ensuring they are completely covered.

Place the beet packet on the baking sheet and roast them in the oven for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Once cooked, remove the beets from the oven and allow them to cool.

Step 3: Preparing the Rice

In a large pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it becomes translucent.

Next, add the minced garlic and cumin powder, and cook for an additional minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 4: Cooking the Rice

Add the rice to the pan and stir it in the onion and garlic mixture for a few minutes until fully coated and slightly toasted. This process will enhance the nutty flavor of the rice.

Now, it’s time to infuse the rice with vibrant color! Peel the cooled roasted beets and finely grate them. Add the grated beets to the pan with rice and mix well until all the grains are evenly coated.

Step 5: Adding Vegetable Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Give the mixture a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients. Bring the broth to a boil over high heat.

Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for around 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

Step 6: Serving the Pink Beet Rice

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and mix in the vibrant pink color. Transfer the pink beet rice to a serving dish and garnish it with fresh parsley or cilantro.

Your unforgettable pink beet rice is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as a side dish alongside your favorite protein or enjoy it as a flavorful vegetarian main course. The vibrant hues and delightful flavors are sure to impress!.