Beetroot is a popular vegetable in many cuisines. It is usually found in salads, soups, side dishes and various savory preparations. However, it also has a surprising quality: its natural sweetness allows it to be used in sweet recipes. Thanks to its intense red colour and melting texture after cooking, it can become the basis of an original, elegant and particularly pretty dessert. Pastries
The preparation shown in the photo is reminiscent of a jelly or a moulded preparation made from red beetroot. Its deep colour, shiny surface and presentation in a pretty mould immediately make you want to taste it. This idea is perfect for people who like to discover new ways to use vegetables in cooking.
Why use beetroot in a dessert?
The first reason is obviously its color. Beetroot has a very powerful natural pigment that gives preparations a beautiful red or dark pink hue. So you don’t have to add a lot of coloring to get a spectacular presentation.
But the color is not its only advantage. Cooked beetroot has a slightly sweet flavor and a pleasant texture. When combined with ingredients such as lemon, orange, vanilla or red fruits, its taste becomes much more balanced.
It can also be combined with creamy ingredients such as yoghurt, crème fraîche, cream cheese or coconut milk. This allows you to create several different versions of the same recipe. Cooking and recipes
The necessary ingredients
To make a beetroot jelly or dessert, you can use the following ingredients:
3 to 4 medium red beets
400 to 500 ml of water
3 to 5 tablespoons sugar
The juice of a lemon
Un peu de zeste de citron
1 cuillère à café de vanille
Gelatine or a suitable vegetable gelling agent
A little orange juice, according to your tastes
Red fruits for decoration
A little icing sugar
Yoghurt or cream to accompany
Of course, the quantities can be adapted depending on the size of the mould and the number of people.
Preparing the beets
Start by washing the beets thoroughly to remove all traces of soil. Cook them in a saucepan filled with water until they become tender. The cooking time depends on their size, but it usually takes between thirty minutes and an hour.
Once the beets are cooked, let them cool slightly. Then remove their skin and cut them into pieces.
To obtain a very smooth preparation, place the beetroot pieces in a blender. Gradually add a little cooking water until you get a homogeneous texture. If you want a particularly fine and elegant jelly, you can then strain the preparation using a fine sieve. Pastries
This step removes the small fibers and obtains a much more pleasant texture in the mouth.
The balance of flavours
Beetroot has a peculiar, slightly earthy flavour. To prepare a successful dessert, it is therefore important to balance this flavor well.
Gradually add the sugar, lemon juice and vanilla. Mix thoroughly and taste the preparation. The lemon brings a touch of acidity that makes the beetroot fresher and lighter.
Orange juice is also a great option. The combination of orange and beetroot gives a fruity and pleasant scent. You can also add a small amount of ginger, cinnamon or cardamom.
However, you have to remain moderate with spices. The aim is to complement the taste of the beetroot and not to mask it.
Give a nice shape to dessert
To get a presentation close to that of the photo, choose a decorative mold. Silicone molds are particularly practical, as they usually make it easier to unmold cold preparations.
Prepare the gelatin according to the instructions on the package. Once properly prepared, incorporate it into the beetroot mixture.
Mix well so that the gelling agent is evenly distributed. Then pour the mixture into the chosen mold.
Place the pan in the fridge for several hours. To get a good hold, it is best to let the dessert rest long enough. A preparation made the day before can be even easier to unmold the next day.
When the jelly is firm, carefully turn the mold out onto a plate. Take your time during this step to keep the pretty shape of the dessert.
How to decorate the preparation?
Decoration allows you to transform a simple recipe into a real festive dessert. The red color of beetroot goes perfectly with white or light ingredients. Cooking and recipes
For example, you can add a small amount of whipped cream, vanilla yoghurt or slightly sweetened cream cheese. Some red fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, currants or blueberries can also be arranged around the dessert.
A light veil of icing sugar can add an elegant touch. For a more refined presentation, you can also use a few mint leaves or edible flowers.
The idea is to create a contrast between the intense colour of the beetroot and the lighter elements of the decoration.
An ideal recipe for family meals
This recipe can be made for an everyday meal as well as for a special occasion. During the week, you can choose a simple presentation with a little yogurt and some fruit.
For a birthday, dinner with friends or party, use a more original mold and take a few extra minutes to decorate the plates.
This preparation can also be interesting during the end of year celebrations. The red color is naturally reminiscent of winter decorations and can give a lot of character to a festive table.
Gourmet variants
Once you get the hang of the basic recipe, you can try different variations.
A first possibility is to add orange and a little zest. You will get a very fragrant and fresh preparation.
Another option is to pair beetroot with dark chocolate. The chocolate brings an interesting depth and can complement the natural sweetness of the beetroot very well.
You can also add berries directly to the preparation or use them only as decoration.
For a creamier version, mix some of the mixture with Greek yogurt or light cream. You can then obtain a softer and smoother dessert.
Conclusion
Beetroot is a much more versatile ingredient than you might think. Thanks to its spectacular colour and natural sweetness, it can be used to create original desserts that immediately catch the eye.
The recipe requires few ingredients and can be adapted to suit individual tastes. Lemon brings freshness, orange adds a fruity note, vanilla softens the whole and red fruits create an even more gourmet presentation. Cooking and recipes
The result is an elegant, surprising dessert that is perfect for those who like to break away from traditional recipes. With a nice mold, a few hours in the refrigerator and a simple decoration, a beetroot-based preparation can become the star of the table.
If you like to experiment in the kitchen, this idea deserves a place in your recipe book. It proves that with a simple vegetable and a little creativity, it is possible to make an eye-catching preparation even before the first bite.
