For me, this horseradish relish with beetroots is the taste of Easter. 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 was 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 since I am a spring chick, Easter is and always be 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 when my mum was making this relish - it was always going out and grating 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 as well as the brain are getting a real blast but It’s all worth it in the end.
Horseradish, in general, 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.....it's simply incredible!
I always love having loads 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 or meat.
The mean Horseradish Benefits
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. This is 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!
Yes, yes yes! Horseradish can be considered mean because it makes us cry but other than that horseradish it’s an amazing root related to mustard.
This kinda explains the heat although the mustard is only a kid (right! )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 very well with:
- hard-boiled eggs
- roast beef
- roast chicken
- smoked fish like trout, mackerel or salmon
- soft pan cooked or boiled eggs
Variations
• 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.
FAQs
I make this relish a couple of times a year, as it lasts 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.
To make this relish vegan, all you need to do it’s to substitute the honey with maple or agave syrup. I have also used coconut blossom nectar or as the original recipe calls for which is sugar. My mum always used sugar.
I definitely love using roasted 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 simply 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 but these days I can happily say it is available all throughout the year.
Here are some more recipes that you might enjoy with this superb horseradish and beetroot relish.
I personally love it with 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 ;-).
Top Tips
- if you find it too spicy, 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.
- Horseradish, in some places, could only be procured while in season. In Europe that is 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.
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
- 1000 g beets cooked - best baked *
- 200 ml cider vinegar
- 30 ml honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Peel, wash and cut the horseradish root into chunks. Place it into a food processor and give it a good few pulses until it will look like rice grains or even smaller. A grater (small holes) is also good. Place into a larger bowl. Cover so it will not make you cry any further ;-).
- Grate the beets, I normally use a grater or a food processor to do them but grating them manually is also a 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.
Betty says
This is simply divine. Wow! Soo refreshing and the colour is amazing. I’m making it regularly now. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful recipe Ramona 🙏🏻🙏🏻😋
Cathleen says
I absolutely love the colour of this! It was such a huge hit, I am definitely making this again soon! Thanks so much for the recipe 🙂