GRILLED BEETS WITH FRESH GOAT CHEESE DRESSING

Grilled Beets with Fresh Goat Cheese Dressing image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 medium red beets
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for grilling
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 sprigs fresh thyme
Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Maldon sea salt
Chive blossoms (optional), for garnish
3/4 cup fresh goat cheese
1/2 cup goat's milk or half-and-half
1 teaspoon fennel pollen or toasted ground fennel seed
1 teaspoon honey
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

Make the beets: Place beets in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Place each beet on an individual piece of parchment paper-lined aluminum foil; add a sprig of thyme to each and wrap to enclose.
Preheat a grill: If using a charcoal grill, make a fire in your grill. When the charcoals are completely covered in gray ash, hold your hand about 5 inches above the grill grid; count how many seconds you can comfortably leave it there. When you can hold it there for 2 to 3 seconds, you have medium-high heat and are ready to grill. If you are using a gas grill, heat the grill for 15 minutes with the lid closed. Before beginning to cook, reduce the temperature by turning the knobs to medium-high.
Place beets on grill and cook until tender, about 45 minutes.
Make the dressing: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together goat cheese, goat's milk, fennel pollen, and honey; season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Unwrap beets and cut into 1-inch-thick slices. Brush slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on grill and cook, turning, until grill marks appear. Transfer to a platter and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. Add dressing, garnish with sea salt, and sprinkle with chive blossoms, if using. Serve immediately.