ROASTED BEETS WITH SESAME AND MARJORAM

Roasted Beets with Sesame and Marjoram image

Prettiest when not piled too high; divide the salad over two platters and put one at each end of the table.

Yield 8 Servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

4 bunches of beets with tops or 2 pounds medium beets
1/2 bunch Swiss chard, ribs and stems removed, leaves torn into large pieces
5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
1/2 bunch marjoram or oregano, plus 2 tablespoons leaves
1/2 cup crème fraîche
1/2 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon Sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400°. Trim tops from beets; set aside half of tops (reserve remainder for another use). Scrub beets, pat dry, and slice 1/4" thick. Toss in a large bowl with 4 tablespoons oil; season with salt and pepper. Scatter marjoram sprigs across a rimmed baking sheet and arrange beets on top in as even a layer as possible (some overlap is okay). Roast, tossing occasionally, until beets are tender, 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven and toss in reserved beet greens; roast just until slightly wilted, about 2 minutes. Let cool.
Scatter marjoram sprigs across a rimmed baking sheet and arrange beets on top in as even a layer as possible (some overlap is okay). Roast, tossing occasionally, until beets are tender, 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven and toss in reserved beet greens; roast just until slightly wilted, about 2 minutes. Let cool.
Meanwhile, whisk crème fraîche, yogurt, and 1 teaspoon vinegar in a small bowl; season with salt; set aside.
Smash sesame seeds, 2 tablespoons marjoram leaves, and a generous pinch of salt in a mortar and pestle to combine. (Alternatively, chop with a knife.) Transfer to a small bowl and mix in remaining 1 tablespoon oil; set sesame salt aside.
Drizzle roasted beets and greens with remaining 1 tablespoon vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Spoon reserved crème fraîche mixture between 2 platters and arrange beets and greens on top; sprinkle with sesame salt.
Do ahead: Beets (without greens) can be roasted 1 day ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before using; sauté greens separately. Sesame salt can be made 2 days ahead; cover and chill.