Irresistible Roasted Beets with Whipped Feta, Lemon & Dukkah: A Culinary Masterpiece

The culinary world is a constant source of inspiration, and sometimes, the best ideas come from the most delightful encounters. Such was the case recently, as I found myself at two distinct events, both celebrating the launch of the highly anticipated Calgary Eats cookbook. This remarkable collaboration brought together 40 of Calgary’s finest restaurants, and among them, Ten Foot Henry, whose esteemed chef, Steve Smee, generously contributed a recipe that has since captivated my palate and, I daresay, will soon captivate yours: Roasted Beets with Whipped Feta, Lemon, and Dukkah. It was a revelation, served on plates adorned with this vibrant combination – the creamy tang of whipped feta, the earthy sweetness of roasted beets, all elevated by the exotic crunch of dukkah.

I already had a bowl of perfectly roasted beets patiently waiting in my fridge – a testament to my love for efficient meal prep (did you know you can easily roast them in a slow cooker for hands-off perfection? It’s a game-changer!). But what truly transformed this simple ingredient was the inspired pairing. We all know the classic harmony of beets and feta or creamy goat cheese, but imagine taking that combination to an entirely new level. Instead of a mere crumble on a green salad, picture a luxurious, spreadable whipped feta, ready to be scooped up with warm, soft flatbreads, crackers, or even used as a decadent spread. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s an experience. And I can tell you with absolute certainty, this recipe for Roasted Beets with Whipped Feta, Lemon, and Dukkah is going straight into my regular repertoire, a testament to its irresistible charm and versatility.

While the original recipe from Calgary Eats is undoubtedly brilliant, I’ve made a few minor adaptations – mostly adjusting quantities to suit a home kitchen rather than a restaurant setting (the original yielded a generous cup and a half, perfect for a crowd but perhaps a bit much for a solo diner or small family unless you adore having a substantial stash!). I also tweaked some ingredients based on what I had readily available. For instance, my bountiful dill patch is currently buried under a blanket of snow, so a vibrant burst of fresh parsley stepped in beautifully. Next time, I’m already envisioning the bright, zesty notes of fresh mint making an appearance. This adaptability is part of the dish’s appeal; it allows for personal touches while retaining its core brilliance.

The Magic Behind the Dish: Key Components

This exquisite dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, built upon three stellar components: perfectly roasted beets, luxuriously whipped feta, and aromatic dukkah. Let’s break down each one to understand how they come together to create such a memorable culinary experience.

1. Perfectly Roasted Beets: Earthy Sweetness Unleashed

Roasting beets is perhaps the simplest yet most transformative way to prepare them. The heat caramelizes their natural sugars, intensifying their earthy sweetness and tenderizing them to a melt-in-your-mouth consistency. This process is crucial for the depth of flavor in our Roasted Beets with Whipped Feta.

How to Roast Beets:

Oven Method (Classic & Reliable): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the beets thoroughly, trim off the greens (leaving about an inch of stem to prevent bleeding), but don’t peel them yet. Toss them lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can wrap individual beets in foil or place them together in a foil packet on a baking sheet. Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Cooking time will vary depending on their size. Once cooled enough to handle, the skins will slip off easily under running water or with a paper towel.
Slow Cooker Method (Hands-Off & Easy): For truly effortless roasting, place washed and trimmed beets (still unpeeled) into your slow cooker. No need for water or oil! Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until tender. The slow cooker method yields incredibly tender and sweet beets with minimal fuss.
Instant Pot Method (Quick & Efficient): Add 1 cup of water to your Instant Pot and place a trivet inside. Arrange washed and trimmed beets on the trivet. Cook on high pressure for 10-20 minutes (depending on size), then allow for a natural release or quick release.

Tips for Success:

Wear Gloves: When handling red beets, especially after cooking and peeling, consider wearing gloves to prevent staining your hands and countertops.
Variety is the Spice: While traditional red beets offer a stunning, deep crimson hue, don’t shy away from golden beets. They provide a milder flavor and don’t bleed, maintaining the vibrant color of your whipped feta if they happen to touch. Candy cane (Chioggia) beets are also beautiful when sliced.
Make Ahead: Roasted beets can be prepared days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making this dish perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

2. Whipped Feta: A Cloud of Tangy Creaminess

Forget crumbled feta; whipped feta is a revelation. It transforms the salty, tangy cheese into a luxurious, spreadable dip that serves as the perfect creamy foundation for the roasted beets and dukkah. This component brings a cooling, zesty counterpoint to the dish.

Ingredients for Whipped Feta:

Feta Cheese: Opt for a good quality block of feta, preferably packed in brine, as it tends to have better flavor and texture than pre-crumbled varieties.
Cream Cheese or Greek Yogurt: A touch of cream cheese adds richness and helps achieve that ultra-smooth, stable consistency. For a slightly lighter version, full-fat Greek yogurt or labneh can be used.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavor and adds a crucial zesty note.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of good quality olive oil enhances the richness and contributes to the smooth texture.
Fresh Herbs: Dill, parsley, or mint work beautifully here, adding a burst of freshness and color.
Garlic (Optional): A small clove of minced garlic can add a subtle savory depth.

How to Make Whipped Feta:

Crumble the feta cheese into a food processor. Add softened cream cheese (or Greek yogurt), fresh lemon juice, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Process until the mixture is completely smooth and airy. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Feta is naturally salty, so you might not need much added salt. Add a pinch of black pepper if desired. If the mixture is too thick, add another tablespoon of olive oil or a tiny splash of water or milk until you reach your desired creamy, spreadable consistency.
Stir in your chosen fresh herbs.

3. Dukkah: The Aromatic Crunch

Dukkah (pronounced DOO-kah) is an aromatic and textural marvel, an Egyptian nut and spice blend that adds an incredible layer of complexity and an irresistible crunch to almost any dish. Its unique flavor profile truly elevates the Roasted Beets with Whipped Feta, offering an exotic twist.

What is Dukkah?

Traditionally, dukkah is made from a blend of toasted nuts (often hazelnuts or almonds), seeds (sesame, coriander, cumin), and spices, sometimes including black pepper, salt, and dried mint. The ingredients are coarsely ground, resulting in a crumbly mixture with varying textures.

Flavor Profile:

Dukkah is nutty, earthy, subtly spicy, and wonderfully aromatic. It brings warmth and an intriguing depth of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the beets and the tang of the feta.

Making vs. Buying Dukkah:

While high-quality dukkah can be purchased from specialty food stores or online, it’s also relatively easy and rewarding to make at home. Simply toast your nuts and seeds, grind your spices, and then combine them in a food processor until you achieve a coarse, crumbly texture. Making it fresh ensures the most vibrant aroma and flavor.

Assembling Your Masterpiece

Once you have your roasted beets, whipped feta, and dukkah ready, assembling this dish is a breeze and incredibly satisfying. The presentation is almost as delightful as the taste.

Spread the Feta: On a beautiful serving platter or shallow bowl, spread the whipped feta evenly across the bottom, creating a creamy canvas.
Arrange the Beets: Artfully arrange the sliced or cubed roasted beets over the whipped feta. You can create a colorful pattern, or simply scatter them for a rustic look.
Drizzle and Sprinkle: Drizzle generously with a good quality extra virgin olive oil. Then, liberally sprinkle the dukkah over the beets and feta, ensuring every bite gets that delightful crunch and aromatic spice.
Garnish: Finish with a scattering of fresh herbs – more parsley, dill, or mint – and perhaps a few extra lemon wedges on the side for an added burst of citrus.

Serving Suggestions & The Allure of This Dish

This Roasted Beets with Whipped Feta, Lemon, and Dukkah is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways. It shines as a sophisticated appetizer at dinner parties, a vibrant addition to a mezze platter, or even a light, satisfying lunch when paired with crusty bread.

Serve immediately with warm pita bread, crusty baguette, artisanal crackers, or even crisp vegetable sticks for a gluten-free option. The combination of textures and flavors makes it incredibly moreish – you’ll find yourself reaching for just one more scoop!

Why This Dish is a Must-Try:

Flavor Symphony: The earthy sweetness of the beets, the tangy creaminess of the feta, the bright acidity of lemon, and the nutty, spicy crunch of dukkah create a truly harmonious and unforgettable flavor profile.
Textural Delight: The interplay between the soft, tender beets, the airy whipped feta, and the crunchy dukkah is incredibly satisfying.
Visual Appeal: The vibrant colors – deep crimson or golden beets against the pristine white feta, adorned with green herbs and golden dukkah – make this dish a showstopper on any table.
Versatility: Perfect as an appetizer, a side dish for grilled meats or fish, a light vegetarian meal, or part of a larger tapas spread.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Both the roasted beets and the whipped feta can be prepared in advance, making assembly quick and easy, ideal for entertaining.

Variations and Customizations

One of the beauties of this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment and make it your own:

Alternative Herbs: Beyond parsley, dill, or mint, consider fresh basil or chives for a different aromatic twist.
Cheese Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of feta, consider whipping goat cheese or a good quality labneh for a similar creamy, tangy base.
Extra Crunch: Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for an additional layer of texture, or pomegranate seeds for a burst of juicy sweetness and color, especially during the fall and winter months.
Spice Up the Beets: A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the roasted beets, or a pinch of chili flakes, can add extra depth and warmth. Orange zest can also brighten their flavor.
Serving Innovations: Beyond flatbreads, consider serving this atop crostini, alongside grilled chicken or fish, or as a vibrant component of a larger vegetarian spread.
Seasonal Twists: In summer, add fresh berries or grilled peaches for a sweet and savory contrast that truly sings.

Health Benefits: Beyond Delicious

Beyond its incredible taste and stunning presentation, this dish also offers a host of nutritional benefits, thanks to its wholesome ingredients.

Beets: Known for their vibrant color and earthy flavor, are also a powerhouse of nutrition. They are rich in fiber, folate, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. Beets are particularly noted for their high concentration of nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide, helping to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. Their powerful antioxidants also contribute to anti-inflammatory benefits, making them a fantastic addition to any healthy diet.
Feta: While a delicious source of calcium and protein, feta cheese, especially from sheep or goat’s milk, can also be easier to digest for some than cow’s milk cheeses. Its distinctive salty, tangy profile adds immense flavor without needing excessive amounts.
Dukkah: The nuts and seeds in dukkah contribute healthy fats (omega-3s and omega-6s), protein, and dietary fiber, which are essential for heart health and digestion. Spices like coriander and cumin are known for their digestive benefits and antioxidant properties, further boosting the nutritional value of this flavorful blend.

Final Thoughts: A Dish to Savor

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a nutritious and flavorful side dish, or simply want to elevate your everyday meals, this recipe for Roasted Beets with Whipped Feta, Lemon, and Dukkah offers an unparalleled culinary experience. It’s a dish that’s as beautiful to behold as it is delicious to eat, proving that sometimes, the simplest ingredients, when thoughtfully combined, can create the most memorable flavors. Inspired by the genius of Ten Foot Henry’s chef Steve Smee in the Calgary Eats cookbook, this creation is a testament to the power of fresh, quality ingredients and a touch of culinary creativity. So, grab your beets, whip up some feta, and prepare to be enchanted by this vibrant, earthy, and utterly irresistible creation. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.