Norwegian Flame Roasted Beets with Whipped Goat Cheese

There is something primal and deeply satisfying about cooking root vegetables over an open fire, a technique that transforms the humble beet into a culinary masterpiece. In this Norwegian-inspired recipe, the intense heat of the Arteflame grill serves two purposes: it caramelizes the natural sugars found deep within the beets and imparts a subtle, smoky char that you simply cannot replicate in a conventional oven. The result is a texture that is tender yet substantial, offering a savory sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cool tang of dairy.

This dish is a study in contrasts, balancing the hot, earthy beets against a bed of cold, whipped goat cheese. It captures the essence of Nordic cuisine—simple ingredients, rustic preparation, and sophisticated flavor profiles. Whether you are looking for a stunning side dish to accompany a grilled steak or a robust vegetarian main course, these flame-roasted beets offer a vibrant explosion of color and flavor. The addition of crunchy nuts and a drizzle of sweetness ties the whole dish together, making it an unforgettable addition to your outdoor cooking repertoire.

Ingredients

For the Roasted Beets

• 4-6 medium beets (mix of red and golden for visual appeal)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

For the Whipped Goat Cheese

• 4 oz soft goat cheese (chèvre), room temperature
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon honey (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Toppings

• 1/3 cup walnuts or hazelnuts, roughly chopped and toasted
• Fresh dill or parsley, chopped
• Balsamic glaze (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beets

1. Wash the beets thoroughly to remove any dirt. If the beets are very large, you may want to par-boil them for 15-20 minutes to soften the center, though smaller beets can go straight to the grill.
2. Peel the beets and slice them into 1/2 inch thick rounds or wedges. This thickness ensures they develop a nice crust without drying out.
3. In a mixing bowl, toss the beet slices with olive oil, coarse sea salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves until evenly coated.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

1. Preheat your Arteflame grill. You want a medium-high heat on the flat cooktop surface. Aim for the area just outside the center ring where the heat is intense but manageable.
2. Apply a thin layer of oil to the cooktop surface to ensure a non-stick sear.

Step 3: Flame Roast the Beets

1. Place the beet slices directly onto the hot flat top grill. You should hear an immediate sizzle.
2. Grill the beets for 5-7 minutes per side. You are looking for a deep, dark caramelization and distinct grill marks.
3. Test for doneness with a fork; they should be tender all the way through but still hold their shape. Move them to the cooler outer edge of the grill to keep warm if needed.

Step 4: Whip the Goat Cheese

1. While the beets are roasting, combine the soft goat cheese, Greek yogurt (or cream), honey, and lemon zest in a small bowl.
2. Whisk vigorously with a fork or a small whisk until the mixture is light, fluffy, and spreadable.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Spread a generous layer of the whipped goat cheese mixture onto a serving platter.
2. Arrange the hot, flame-roasted beets on top of the cheese. The heat from the beets will slightly soften the cheese, creating a delicious texture.
3. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts and fresh dill. Drizzle with a little extra honey or balsamic glaze right before serving.

Tips

Mastering flame-roasted beets is all about temperature control and patience. Because beets have a high sugar content, they can burn if placed directly in the center of the fire for too long. Utilizing the heat zones of your flat top grill is essential here; sear them near the center to get that crust, then move them further out to finish cooking through without charring excessively. If you are using raw beets without par-boiling, consider covering them with a stainless steel dome or bowl on the grill for the first few minutes to steam them slightly before crisping them up.

Furthermore, the quality of the goat cheese matters significantly. Look for a fresh, plain chèvre log rather than pre-crumbled cheese, as the crumbles often contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from whipping into a smooth, creamy consistency. For an extra layer of flavor, you can briefly toast the walnuts on the grill surface for a minute or two while the beets finish cooking.

Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile and adapts well to seasonal changes or personal taste preferences. If you aren't a fan of goat cheese, or simply want to try something different, there are several easy swaps you can make to alter the profile of the dish while keeping the core technique of flame-roasting intact. Here are a few favorite variations to try:

• Feta & Oregano: Swap the goat cheese for whipped feta (blend feta with a little olive oil and lemon) and replace dill with fresh oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
• Citrus Infusion: Add orange segments to the salad and use orange zest in the cheese mixture for a bright, citrusy kick that cuts through the earthiness of the beets.
• Sweet & Savory: Replace the honey with maple syrup and add crumbled cooked bacon over the top for a smoky, savory finish.
• Vegan Option: Use a cashew-based cream cheese or a thick hummus base instead of dairy cheese, and use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Pistachio Crunch: Substitute the walnuts with crushed salted pistachios for a vibrant green color pop and a distinct nutty flavor.

Best pairings

Flame-roasted beets are robust enough to stand up to heavy proteins but elegant enough to serve alongside lighter fare. The earthy sweetness of the beets acts as a palate cleanser for rich, fatty meats, while the acidity in the goat cheese helps cut through heavy sauces. This dish is inherently rustic, making it the perfect side for an outdoor barbecue or an upscale grilled dinner. Consider serving this dish alongside the following:

• Grilled Salmon: The classic Norwegian pairing. The fatty richness of salmon pairs beautifully with the tangy goat cheese and dill.
• Ribeye Steak: The char on the beets complements the sear on a steak, while the cheese offers a creamy contrast to the meat.
• Lamb Chops: Lamb and beets are a traditional flavor combination; the gaminess of the lamb is balanced by the sweet, roasted root vegetables.
• Smoked Chicken: A whole smoked or grilled chicken with lemon and herbs echoes the citrus notes in the cheese mixture.

Conclusion

Norwegian flame-roasted beets with whipped goat cheese is more than just a salad; it is a celebration of fire cooking and fresh ingredients. The process of grilling the beets transforms them from a standard root vegetable into a sweet, smoky delight that is sure to impress your guests. The visual contrast of the dark red and golden beets against the snow-white cheese makes for a stunning presentation that looks as good as it tastes.

Whether you are a seasoned pitmaster or new to flat-top grilling, this recipe is forgiving and rewarding. It encourages you to step away from the usual potato sides and embrace the earthy, caramelized flavors of the north. Fire up your grill, whip up the cheese, and enjoy a dish that perfectly bridges the gap between rustic comfort food and gourmet dining.