BEET SALAD WITH FETA

 Adapted from Cook's Illustrated

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lb beets, trimmed and quartered

1 1/4 c water

1/4 t salt

3 T white vinegar

1 T packed brown sugar

1 shallot, sliced thin

Grated zest of one lemon

1/8 lb feta

1 T chopped dill

1 t chopped thyme

Black pepper

Methodology:

Place the beets in a single layer in the bottom of a heavy dutch oven, pour in the water and salt, and bring to simmer over high heat.  Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until beets are tender, ~45 minutes.

Transfer beets to bowl filled with cold water, keeping cooking liquid in pot.  Bring liquid to boil, and cook down until pan is almost dry.  Add vinegar and sugar, and cook, stirring constantly, until liquid thickens and a a rubber spatula leaves a trail when dragged through glaze.  Add shallot and stir to heat through.  Remove from heat. 

Once beets are cool enough to touch, peel and drain them, and cut into 1/2" wedges.  Add to a large bowl, top with the remaining ingredients, and pour over the glaze.  Stir to combine.