Russian Beet Salad "Vinegret"

Step 1

Cook the beets in boiling water or roast the beets until tender. I prefer to roast beets.Â

Step 2

In another pot, place the potatoes and carrots. Cover the vegetables with cold water. Cover the pot, bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook just until the carrots and potatoes are both cooked through and you are able to pierce them all the way through with a paring knife. You want to make sure that they are cooked through all the way, but not too much, since they will otherwise fall apart and turn to mush when mixed later on with the rest of the ingredients in the salad.

Step 3

Cool the beets, carrots and potatoes until cool enough to handle. I use a paper towel to help remove the skin from the cooked beets (it works like a charand use a butter knife to peel off the skin from the carrots and potatoes.

Step 4

Chop the beets, carrots and potatoes finely, so that they are about the same size. Of course, you can chop them larger than I did if you prefer.

Step 5

Chop the pickles to be approximately the same size as the beets, carrots and potatoes. Finely mince the shallot or onion, whichever you are using.

Step 6

Drain the sauerkraut. If the sauerkraut has really long pieces, you can chop them in half or thirds.

Step 7

Mix all the vegetables, including the sauerkraut and pickles in a large bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 8

Pour in the sunflower oil and the vinegar. Mix to combine. Store in the refrigerator.

Step 9

You can make this salad up to 3 days in advance. You can also add fresh herbs right before serving, such as dill, green onions or parsley.

Step 10

Yields: 6-8 servings