Endive Boats With Fresh Ricotta And Roasted Beets Recipe

Endive Boats With Fresh Ricotta And Roasted Beets Recipe
2 (1 ratings)
Serving light hors d’oeuvres that won’t spoil your guests’ appetites before they sit down for dinner should always be a priority. These endive boats fit the bill. They’re as colorful as they are delicious — not to mention festive and light as a cloud! No wonder these cheerful boats have become a fixture at my fall and winter dinner parties. Go the extra mile and make these scrumptious hors d’oeuvres with homemade ricotta and I bet your guests will be asking for seconds.
Servings
4
Ingredients
  • 4 medium-sized red beets, trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chives, chopped finely
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 large belgian endives, trimmed and leaves pulled from core (about 24 large leaves)
  • 12 ounce fresh ricotta cheese
  • chives, for garnish
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
  2. Place the beets in a small roasting pan.* Fill the pan with ½-inch of water. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 60-70 minutes, until the beets are tender. Transfer to a bowl and set aside to cool to room temperature.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, chives, salt, and pepper until well blended. Set aside. Peel the beets by slipping the skins off with the back of a knife. Cut the beets into 1/8-inch cubes. Add the dressing, toss well, and let stand at room temperature for 15-30 minutes.
  4. Just before serving, place a spoonful of the ricotta in the bottom half of each endive leaf.** Top with the beet cubes. Garnish with a chive tip and serve.