WARM BEET, BIBB, AND BACON SALAD

Warm Beet, Bibb, and Bacon Salad image

Provided by Bon Appétit Test Kitchen

Yield Makes 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 beets, peeled, cut into thick wedges
6 thick-cut bacon slices, chopped
1/2 large red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup dark beer
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (packed) dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon aniseed
1 large head of Bibb lettuce, coarsely

Steps:

Cook beets in boiling salted water until tender, about 12 minutes; drain.
Meanwhile, sauté bacon in large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 3 1/2 tablespoons drippings from skillet. Add onion to skillet; sauté 3 minutes. Mix in next 4 ingredients, then beets. Simmer until dressing coats beets, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Arrange lettuce on platter. Top with beets; sprinkle with bacon.