Dirty Cook Beetroot Recipe

Preparation Time: 5 mins

Cooking Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized beetroots (unpeeled, with tops trimmed off)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary), for garnish (optional)
• Balsamic vinegar or feta cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Start by lighting your grill and creating a bed of hot embers. You want a medium heat for this "dirty" cooking method, where the beetroots will cook directly on the coals.
2. Rinse the beetroots under water to remove any excess dirt, but leave the skins on and don't peel them.
3. Once the embers are glowing, place the whole, unpeeled beetroots directly onto the coals. Let them cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, turning occasionally using tongs to ensure even cooking.
4. The beets are ready when they are tender all the way through when pierced with a fork. The outer skin will be charred and blackened, which is exactly what you want!
5. Once cooked, remove the beetroots from the embers and let them cool for a few minutes. Peel off the charred skin using your hands (you may want to wear gloves) or a clean kitchen towel.
6. Slice the cooked beets and drizzle with olive oil. Season with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and balsamic vinegar, if desired.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs or feta cheese for added flavour, and enjoy your smoky, earthy beetroots as a side dish or salad topping.

This Dirty Cook Beetroot recipe takes your grilling game to the next level. Nestling the beets directly in the embers gives them an irresistible smoky depth while maintaining their natural sweetness. It's a hands-off, no-fuss approach that’s packed with flavour, transforming a simple root vegetable into a show-stopping side. Finish them with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and a touch of garlic to complement their earthy richness. Whether you're serving them alongside grilled meats or showcasing them as a stand-alone dish, these ember-roasted beets will add a pop of colour to your next spread.