This horseradish and beetroots relish is the taste of Easter for me. It always was and still is an Easter staple. No Easter was the same without this relish. So good to accompany the traditional oven roasted lamb that was melting in your mouth which cooked with loads of herbs and wine. Mmmmm. Very nice!
This gorgeous relish brings back so many wonderful Easter time memories I lived as a child.
Easter was the best time of the year I remember, yes Christmas too but sonce I am a spring person more than a winter one, Easter is special, very special.
Spring, oh lovely spring! This year felt like you were never going to arrive but now it is finally here. These days I will never forget, days were longer, food was amazing, preparations were so vivid, guests and visit times, the whole energy around it was absolutely amazing.
It was smelling like Easter in the air, the smell was incredible, everyone was cooking and getting ready to celebrate the big days with loads of harmony, laughter and good food.
I recall whenever my mum was making this relish was always going out and grate the horseradish on the patio table.
The experience of doing this relish is unique as it involves a little crying but I love it. The sinuses are getting a real blast but It’s all worth it in the end.
Horseradish, in general, it is not an ingredient I often cook with but I definitely should use it a lot more. I do feel this lovely ingredient it’s giving its best benefits when served raw, not only getting full benefits from it but also the flavours and its uniqueness. Oh, and the way this relish clears the airways….. incredible! I always love having plenty of it especially when I have a cold. It really sorts me out. The good thing is that I have managed to convert my kids into liking it too. They always ask for some to have with hard-boiled eggs. All I see it’s big disappointed long faces whenever the relish has run out.
Roasted vs boiled beetroot
I definitely love using roasted the beetroots but I have also made this using raw or boiled beets. I prefer roasting the beets as this definitely delivers the best flavour, not to mention the colour which is incredible. That deep red you can only achieve if you roast them.
Horseradish is a seasonal root and this is the time (April-May) to get hold of some. And… here are some more recipes that you might enjoy with this superb horseradish and beetroot relish. I personally love it with this pulled lamb pockets or a vegetarian option which is this really homemade falafel. Feel free to use your imagination and have this with whatever you like or think it goes really well with. But make sure to share that with me ;-).
A little more about beetroot and horseradish its benefits
Beetroots are great and you know that they are the new superfood as recent studies claim that these consumed in any way but particularly juice can lower blood pressure, increase the blood flow. Hence the reason behind athletics being encouraged to drink beets juice; it improves their athletic performance.
Beets are naturally high in antioxidants which protect against cancer; they also contain high dietary nitrate levels, linked to benefiting and helping the cardiovascular system.
One beet a day keeps the doctor away!
The mean Horseradish ?
Yes it’s mean because it makes us cry but other than that horseradish it’s an amazing root related to mustard, hence the heat although the mustard is only a kid ? compared to the horseradish which can actually blow your head off.
Just like the beets, horseradish consumption is encouraged since it prevents cancer, helps with lowering blood pressure and enhances body performance in general. Above all this, it supports weight loss, helps with digestion and supports a healthier pregnancy, detoxifies our body. It’s an amazing immune system booster, supports stronger bones and helps with some respiratory conditions. I also know for sure it clears and detoxifies the tear ducts. I feel this every time I handle it ?.
Another good reason to get this horseradish relish prepared.
The recipe contains cider vinegar too which is also a super-powerful ingredient that is very good for us in so many ways. Overall, this relish is not only a delicious one but it’s a perfect health booster.
Serving suggestions:
My favourite combination was always with the traditional hard-boiled eggs that I could eat a dozen only for this relish.
It goes so well with :
• hard boiled eggs
• roast beef
• roast chicken
• smoked fish like trout, mackerel or salmon
• soft pan cooked or boiled eggs
Other ways to prepare or use horseradish
• it works really well as a sauce or dressing. Grate the horseradish using the finest holes of the grater, add creme fraiche, salt, pepper, lemon juice and a little drizzle of olive oil.
It goes fabulously well with roast beef, or fish.
• it is super nice when adding a dash of this creamy sauce to your mashed potatoes.
Keep it vegan
To make this relish vegan, all you need to do it’s to replace the honey with maple or agave syrup. I have also used coconut blossom nectar or as the original recipe calls for which is sugar.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I keep it?
- I make this relish a couple of times a year, as it lasts well for a good few months if kept at a constant temperature in the refrigerator.
- The secret is to store it in an airtight container with a screw lid/top.
Tips
- if you find it too strong, whenever you use it, mix it with a tablespoon or two of creme fraiche or Greek yoghurt. A vegan yoghurt respectively, for a vegan option.
- since horseradish is a seasonal root, it can only be found around March/ April the root stores quite well for a food couple of months kept in a paper bag in the fridge. Long enough to last for a second batch. It might get a little dry. Place it in water for a good 8 hours to re-hydrate before using it.
Homemade horseradish and roasted beetroot relish
Equipment
- grater
- chopping board
- food processor
- vegetable peeler
- oven tray
- glass bowl
Ingredients
- 120 g horseradish root use more if you would like it stronger
- 600 g beets cooked – best baked *
- 150 ml cider vinegar
- 30 ml honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Peel, wash and cut the horseradish root into chunks. Place into a food processor and give it a good few pulses until it will look like rice grains or even smaller. You may also use a grater (small holes) too. Place into a larger bowl. Cover so it will not make you cry any further.
- Grate the beets, I normally use grater on food processor to do them but grating them manually is also super easy and quick option. Place in the same bowl with the horseradish.
- Mix the beets and the horseradish together along with the remaining ingredients, the cider vinegar (150ml), honey or maple syrup (30ml), salt and the freshly ground black pepper. Mix all well using a wooden spoon until nicely homogenised.
- Have handy the sterilised jar and transfer the relish pressing nicely to make sure there are no visible air pockets.
- Keep in the fridge and use as you fancy.
Notes
⚠️ I used to grate the horseradish but I no longer do that. I’ve learned my lessons. I now put it all in a blender and the whole operation it’s very quick and takes place outside.
How to cook/bake the beets…
There are two options
• wash thoroughly, cut the sandy ends and bake them this way
• peel and cook covered with foil
We do want them slightly less juicy but not to dry.
Choclette says
Horseradish and beetroot make for a brilliant match and your relish sounds delicious. It’s lovely to have fresh horseradish. We’ve grown it before. But it tends to take over, so we’re not doing that again. But it’s a shame.
Ramona says
Hi Choclette,
Thank you so much. You are so right, it does take over, I remember as a kid my mum used to complain it was getting too much ;-), it is a shame since it is such a nice ingredient to have and cook with and this relish is one of these must have as it goes with almost everything.
Catherine says
What a wonderful relish for the fall! I love the combination of beetroot and horseradish…the color is beautiful and it sounds delish!
Ramona says
Thank you Catherine, it really, really is and it’s quite versatile too!
Kylee says
Such a pretty relish! Love that color! I love that you put it in a blender, and blend outside!
Ramona says
Thank you so much – oh it has to be done outside, trust me 😉