Kombucha, a fermented tea of Asian origin, offers a flavor reminiscent of apple cider vinegar: it’s sour, but also mildly sweet. Its flavor pairs well with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, while its acidity is strong enough to stand up against the sweet and earthy flavors of root vegetables and nuts.
Beets number among the few vegetables that my family eats year-round, fresh in spring and autumn and stored in boxes of dirt during the cold part of the year. Lacking greens in the winter, we often eat beets as a salad, sprinkled with roasted walnuts and dressed with a spiced vinaigrette.

SERVES 4 TO 6

INGREDIENTS 

SALAD

• 2 pounds beets
• 1 tablespoon clarified butter
• ¾ cup chopped walnuts
• 1 small red onion, sliced into rings no thicker than ⅛ inch

VINAIGRETTE

• 2 tablespoons kombucha
• ¼ teaspoon finely ground unrefined sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons cold-pressed walnut oil
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Preheat the oven to 425°F.

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Trim the beets by removing any beet tops and the tips of their roots.
2. Dot each beet with a touch of clarified butter.
3. Wrap each beet in parchment paper and again in aluminum foil.
4. Roast the beets for 45 to 60 minutes, until they yield under the pressure of a fork.
5. Refrigerate the beets for at least 8 and up to 24 hours.

TO PREPARE THE VINAIGRETTE

1. Whisk the kombucha tea with the salt, allspice, cloves, and the walnut and olive oils.
2. The vinaigrette will store at room temperature for up to 3 weeks, but remember to shake it vigorously before dressing the salad because the oil will separate from the tea and spices when left sitting.

JUST BEFORE SERVING

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes until very hot.
2. Toss in the walnuts and toast them for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid scorching.
3. Remove the cold beets from the fridge, peel them, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
4. In a large bowl, toss the beets with the sliced onion and toasted walnuts.
5. Drizzle with the vinaigrette, toss again, and serve.