BEETS WITH WALNUT PESTO

Beets with Walnut Pesto image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 40m

Yield 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 to 8 medium red or golden beets (about 2 pounds)
Kosher salt
1 cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 cup walnut halves
1 garlic clove
1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for brushing
1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano
1/2 teaspoon red wine vinegar

Steps:

Cut off the leafy tops of the beets, leaving about 1/2-inch of the stem, and reserve them for another use. Wash the beets well to remove all of the sand. Peel with a vegetable peeler while wearing gloves.
Cover the peeled beets with cold water in a medium saucepan and salt generously. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat to medium and cook until fork-tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Drain the beets into a colander and cut them into quarters.
Meanwhile, combine the parsley, walnuts and garlic in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add the olive oil and process until smooth. Stir in the Pecorino and vinegar and season with salt.
Toss the beets in a bowl with some of the pesto. Transfer the remaining pesto to a small ramekin and serve the beets with more pesto on top.