Grilled Welsh Beets with Goat Cheese

Introduction

Grilled Welsh Beets with Goat Cheese is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings out the natural sweetness of beets by charring them on the flat cooktop griddle of the Arteflame grill. The creamy, tangy goat cheese adds a delicious contrast, resulting in a dish that is both visually stunning and incredibly tasty. The combination of the fire-kissed beets and the rich goat cheese creates a dish that is perfect as a side or even a light meal.

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized beets, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them inside the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
3. Light the paper and wait about 20 minutes for the cooktop griddle to reach the optimal grilling temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the beets

1. Peel and slice the beets into 1/4-inch rounds.
2. Brush both sides with melted butter.
3. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Grill the beets

1. Place the beet slices on the Arteflame flat cooktop, closer to the center of the grill for higher heat.
2. Grill the beets for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until lightly charred and tender.
3. Move them towards the outer edges of the cooktop to keep them warm while preparing the toppings.

Step 4: Assemble the dish

1. Transfer the grilled beet slices onto a serving plate.
2. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese evenly over the warm beets.
3. Drizzle honey over the top for added sweetness.
4. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve the grilled Welsh beets warm and enjoy!

Tips

• For extra smokiness, place a small piece of hardwood near the beets while grilling.
• Use golden beets for a slightly milder, less earthy flavor.
• Adjust grill placement to control heat exposure and avoid over-charring.
• Add crushed walnuts for a satisfying crunch.
• Let the beets rest for a minute off the grill before adding cheese to keep it from melting too quickly.

Variations

• Balsamic Glazed Beets: Drizzle grilled beets with balsamic reduction for an extra layer of tangy-sweet flavor.
• Spicy Beets: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the beets before serving for a touch of heat.
• Herb-Infused Beets: Use fresh rosemary or basil instead of thyme for a different herbaceous aroma.
• Nuts & Seeds: Add toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds for extra texture and flavor.
• Vegan Option: Substitute goat cheese with cashew cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.

Best pairings

• Grilled lamb chops for a rich, savory pairing.
• Fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette for a bright contrast.
• Crusty toasted bread to scoop up the flavors.
• A glass of Pinot Noir for a fine dining experience.
• Grilled peaches for a sweet and smoky complement.

Conclusion

Grilled Welsh Beets with Goat Cheese is an easy yet gourmet dish that is both healthy and satisfying. The slight charring from the Arteflame grill enhances the natural sweetness of the beets, while the creamy and tangy goat cheese perfectly complements it. This dish is great as a standalone option or as a stunning side for any grilled meal.