Small Bowl of Lebanese Beet & Yogurt Salad
(click to enlarge)

Beet & Yogurt Tahini Salad


Lebanon   -   Salata Shamandar
Makes:
Effort:
Sched:
DoAhead:  		 2-1/3 cups
**
1-1/2 hr
Yes		 This delectable salad is unique to Lebanon. In Syria, they process it into a dip, but admit it originated in Lebanon. See Comments for making ahead.




1
1-1/3
1/4
2
1/2
-------
1/2
#
c
c
cl
t
---
t
Beets (1)
Yogurt (2)  
Tahini
Garlic
Salt
-- Garnish
Mint, dried
Make   -   (1-1/2 hr - 20 min work)
  1. Place the beets in a pot of cold water. Bring to a boil and keep at a strong simmer until they are done. This is when a sharp skewer can be run through the largest one without hitting a hard spot in the middle. Cool in cold water enough to handle them and rub off the skins.
  2. Slice Beets about 1/4 inch thick and cut the slices into about 1/2 inch squares.
  3. Crush GARLIC and chop fine. Pound to paste in a mortar along with Salt.
  4. Stir Tahini into Garlic mix. Gradually stir in Yogurt until you have a fairly thick sauce. If it is too thick, add more Yogurt.
  5. Mix Dressing into Beets until they are evenly coated.
  6. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with Dried Dill (yes, dried is an abomination in California - but it's normal in Turkey and Lebanon). Serve cold.
NOTES:

  1. Beets:

      Buy fresh small beets, around 3 inches diameter. Preferably, they should have stems and leaves (leave 1-1/2 inches of stems on them), but at least a stubble of their leaf stems. Beets cut below the stem stubble were probably in storage way too long for good flavor, and will bleed too much of their color when boiled.

  2. Yogurt:

      Use a tart natural yogurt, not a heavy, "Greek" or bland one - nor a "fat free" or flavored one.

  3. Comments:

      If making ahead, it is best to mix the dressing with the beets just before serving, or the dish will become a uniform pink, rather than pink and white as in the photo.
  4. U.S. measure: t=teaspoon, T=Tablespoon, c=cup, qt=quart, oz=ounce, #=pound, cl=clove in=inch, ar="as required tt=to taste
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