Raw Beetroot, Dill and Mustard Seed Salad (2024)

I am convinced that it is when raw that beetroot is at its best, and this recipe offers the most persuasive evidence; I promise you that it is loved even by those who were traumatised by putridly sweet and vinegary school beetroot. The dill and mustard seed here resonate with Scandinavian flavours, but if you can't find fresh dill or just shudderingly abominate it, use flat-leaf parsley in its place.

For US cup measures, use the toggle at the top of the ingredients list.

I am convinced that it is when raw that beetroot is at its best, and this recipe offers the most persuasive evidence; I promise you that it is loved even by those who were traumatised by putridly sweet and vinegary school beetroot. The dill and mustard seed here resonate with Scandinavian flavours, but if you can't find fresh dill or just shudderingly abominate it, use flat-leaf parsley in its place.

For US cup measures, use the toggle at the top of the ingredients list.

As featured in

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  NIGELLA SUMMER

  2002

1. I always make this in the food processor, not because it's necessary, but just because it makes life easier. Put quite a wodge of dill, without stalks, in the processor with the double-bladed knife fitted and blitz till finely chopped. About 6 tablespoons / one-third cup seems to me the right amount for this quantity of beetroot, but a bit here or there makes no difference.
2. Scrape it out into a large bowl (keeping a small amount on one side for sprinkling later) and then fit, if you have one, the julienne disc, or if not, the grater disc. Peel the beetroot and chop it into chunks that will fit down the funnel; I use rubber gloves for this, so I'm not like Lady Macbeth with my incarnadined hands forever.
3. When all the beetroot is grated, turn it into the bowl with the dill and toss so both are mixed well together. Squeeze the lemon juice over, drizzle in the olive oil and toss again. When everything is well but lightly combined, put a non-stick or heavy-based frying pan on the heat and toast the mustard seeds for a couple of minutes. Add to the beetroot and dill salad and, again, toss well. Turn out to a bowl or plate — I always prefer salads on a plate — and scatter your little bit of reserved dill over, adding a little chopped fresh parsley, if you have some to hand, for a final uplifting hit of more vibrant green.

1. I always make this in the food processor, not because it's necessary, but just because it makes life easier. Put quite a wodge of dill, without stalks, in the processor with the double-bladed knife fitted and blitz till finely chopped. About 6 tablespoons / one-third cup seems to me the right amount for this quantity of beetroot, but a bit here or there makes no difference.
2. Scrape it out into a large bowl (keeping a small amount on one side for sprinkling later) and then fit, if you have one, the julienne disc, or if not, the grater disc. Peel the beetroot and chop it into chunks that will fit down the funnel; I use rubber gloves for this, so I'm not like Lady Macbeth with my incarnadined hands forever.
3. When all the beetroot is grated, turn it into the bowl with the dill and toss so both are mixed well together. Squeeze the lemon juice over, drizzle in the olive oil and toss again. When everything is well but lightly combined, put a non-stick or heavy-based frying pan on the heat and toast the mustard seeds for a couple of minutes. Add to the beetroot and dill salad and, again, toss well. Turn out to a bowl or plate — I always prefer salads on a plate — and scatter your little bit of reserved dill over, adding a little chopped fresh parsley, if you have some to hand, for a final uplifting hit of more vibrant green.