Prepare to transform the humble beet into a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This isn't just another vegetable side dish - this is a vibrant, smoky, and herbaceous journey that turns grilled beets into a show-stopping sensation. With a mind-blowing mint, parsley, and pistachio pesto that adds layers of complexity and crunch, this recipe will revolutionize how you think about vegetables on the grill.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/2 cup pistachios
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the beets by washing them thoroughly and peeling the skin. Slice the beets into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds to ensure even grilling.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). If using a gas grill, set burners to direct medium-high heat. For a charcoal grill, arrange hot coals to create a medium-high heat zone.
- Brush the beet slices with olive oil and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- For the pesto, combine mint leaves, parsley leaves, pistachios, remaining olive oil, and lemon juice in a food processor. Pulse until a coarse, chunky pesto forms. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the beet slices directly on the clean, oiled grill grates. Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side, rotating 45 degrees halfway through each side to create beautiful crosshatch grill marks.
- The beets are done when they are tender when pierced with a fork and have nice caramelized edges. Remove from the grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the grilled beets to a serving platter and generously drizzle with the mint-parsley-pistachio pesto.
- Garnish with additional chopped pistachios and fresh herb leaves if desired. Serve warm as a vibrant side dish or light appetizer.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm beets for the best grilling results - avoid soft or wrinkled ones.
- Use a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure uniform 1/4-inch slices for even cooking.
- Pat beet slices dry before oiling to help achieve better grill marks and prevent steaming.
- Clean and oil your grill grates thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Don't rush the grilling process - medium-high heat allows for beautiful caramelization.
- If you don't have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works excellently as an alternative.
- Make the pesto ahead of time to let flavors meld and intensify.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to your beet seasoning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
