From Fine Dining to Your Kitchen: The Inspiration Behind This Delicious Dish

The world of culinary delights often sparks incredible inspiration, and for me, that spark ignited at Dante, a truly exceptional restaurant located in Omaha. My close girlfriends and I adore frequenting Dante not only for its phenomenal food but also for its superb Italian wine list, which consistently draws us back. When we gather there, we typically embrace the “family style” dining experience, ordering a variety of dishes to share. This allows each of us to savor a wider range of their incredible menu beyond just a single entree. Among the many standouts, their Wood Roasted Beets with Fried Kale are a unanimous favorite. Served with a luscious sweet bourbon sauce, these beets are always the first to disappear from the table. The harmonious blend of earthy, tender beets, the satisfying crunch of fried kale, and the rich, sweet glaze is an experience that lingers long after the last bite. It was this memorable dish that became the direct inspiration for the recipe I’m excited to share with you today, bringing a touch of gourmet elegance into your home kitchen.

This post is proudly sponsored by my esteemed partners at Paisley Farm Foods. Please know that my genuine affection for their exceptional products and all the culinary opinions shared here are entirely my own. I extend my sincere gratitude for supporting the companies and products that help make “An Affair from the Heart” possible.

The Marvel of Crispy Kale: A Healthier, Effortless Alternative

If you’ve yet to discover the sheer delight of crispy kale, allow me to introduce you to a culinary game-changer! While the inspiration for this dish came from fried kale, my recipe employs a healthier and equally (if not more!) delicious method: oven roasting. The transformation of raw kale into crisp, delicate leaves is nothing short of magical. Roasting not only brings out a fantastic nutty flavor but also creates an irresistible texture that provides a wonderful contrast to the tender, sweet beets. It’s incredibly straightforward, requiring just a minimal amount of olive oil and a hot oven, making it a perfect addition to almost any meal.

Oven roasting has become my go-to technique for nearly all vegetables, much like how Oven Roasted Cauliflower has become a beloved staple in our home. This method ensures that vegetables retain their nutrients while developing a beautifully caramelized exterior and a tender interior. For kale, it means achieving that desirable crispiness without the heaviness of deep-frying. The leaves become light, airy, and wonderfully crunchy, making them an ideal complement to the rich and sweet flavors of the glazed beets. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve perfect crispy kale every single time.

The Heart of the Dish: Paisley Farm Sweet Pickled Beets – Quality and Convenience

When it comes to the beets themselves, the preparation couldn’t be easier, all thanks to the superb quality and convenience of Paisley Farm Sweet Pickled Beets. I consistently keep a ready supply of these in my pantry. They are a true lifesaver for whipping up quick, flavorful dishes. For this particular recipe, the process is incredibly straightforward: simply open a jar and gently warm the beets for a few minutes in my decadent Honey Bourbon Sauce. The result is an absolutely beautiful and delicious side dish, perfect for a special Sunday dinner or any occasion demanding a touch of effortless gourmet flair.

A Timeless Root: The Rich History and Health Benefits of Beets

My connection to pickled beets goes way back to my childhood, recalling my grandmother’s abundant garden. She meticulously cultivated a wide variety of vegetables in her backyard, ensuring that nothing ever went to waste. I vividly remember autumn visits to her basement, a cool sanctuary brimming with countless jars of home-canned vegetables – a true pantry of preserved goodness. Among these, the beets always held a special appeal for me, largely due to their exceptionally rich, deep red color.

You’ve undoubtedly heard the classic expression, “Red as a Beet.” While beets do exist in intriguing white and golden varieties, their most iconic and recognized form is indeed that striking, dark crimson. This vibrant pigmentation is attributed to unique antioxidants known as betalains, which are not only responsible for their eye-catching appearance but also contribute significantly to their impressive health benefits. Interestingly, the allure of the beet’s red dye wasn’t confined to the plate. In the 19th century, resourceful women would use this natural coloring as a charming cheek and lip stain, further cementing the phrase “red as a beet” in popular culture.

Beyond their fascinating history and captivating aesthetics, beets are a true nutritional powerhouse. They are abundantly rich in essential nutrients, including folic acid, a potent array of diverse antioxidants that combat cellular damage, vital potassium crucial for heart health, and ample dietary fiber that aids digestion. Incorporating these humble root vegetables into your diet is a simple yet profoundly delicious way to boost your overall well-being and add a vibrant touch to your meals.

Explore All My Paisley Farm Recipes

Delve into a curated collection of creative and easy-to-follow recipes, all featuring the incredible versatility and convenience of Paisley Farm products. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, a festive holiday spread, or simply seeking fresh culinary inspiration, you’ll find something new and exciting to try.

Beyond the Glaze: Discovering the Endless Versatility of Beets

Are you already a beet enthusiast, or perhaps curious about innovative ways to incorporate these incredibly nutrition-packed root vegetables into your diet? You’d be amazed by their diverse applications! Not too long ago, I embarked on a culinary adventure and baked them directly into a Chocolate Cake! If the idea of beets in chocolate cake sounds unconventional, you’re not alone, but it’s actually a time-honored secret for achieving exceptionally moist and rich desserts. The beets subtly contribute an incredible springy texture and deep moisture, ensuring the cake is wonderfully tender, akin to a comforting snack cake, all without any detectable “beety” flavor. I topped mine with a generous layer of luscious chocolate ganache and chilled it, creating a truly decadent yet surprisingly nutritious treat. Incorporating vegetables like beets into desserts isn’t a modern fad; it’s a brilliant way to infuse dishes with extra nutrients and a wealth of beneficial antioxidants. So, can chocolate cake actually be healthy? When it’s thoughtfully fortified with the goodness of beets, the answer is a resounding YES!

If your palate leans more towards savory delights, then you absolutely must try my exquisite Pickled Beet Salad with Pears and Goat Cheese. This salad is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, boasting a vibrant spectrum of colors. It offers a beautiful symphony of flavors and textures: the tangy pickled beets provide a delightful counterpoint to the natural sweetness of pears, the satisfying crunch of walnuts, and the creamy, rich notes of goat cheese. Finished with a homemade sweet red wine vinaigrette, this salad is a refreshingly elegant and light option that consistently earns rave reviews from everyone who tries it. It’s a testament to how versatile and exciting beets can be in both sweet and savory applications.

About Paisley Farm Foods: A Heritage of Freshness Since 1945

For over seven decades, Paisley Farm Foods has been a cherished name in kitchens across the nation, synonymous with unparalleled quality and effortless convenience in the realm of preserved vegetables. Established in 1945, their enduring success is rooted in a beautifully simple yet powerful philosophy: to meticulously work with the freshest, finest vegetables available and combine them in uniquely delicious ways, thereby delivering “flavor on demand.” This unwavering commitment ensures that every time you reach for a Paisley Farm product, you’re not just getting a simple ingredient, but a vibrant burst of taste ready to transform your meals with minimal effort.

Whether your culinary needs call for a quick and wholesome side dish on a bustling weeknight, an impressive appetizer to greet unexpected guests, or a versatile foundation for a creative, fresh salad, Paisley Farm products are the ideal solution for a well-appointed and efficient pantry. They proudly offer a comprehensive line of thoughtfully selected and expertly prepared vegetable products, each designed to complement nearly any meal or inspire countless culinary creations. Their guiding principle, “From farm to jar to you, that’s the Paisley Promise,” perfectly encapsulates their dedication to bringing garden-fresh goodness directly to your kitchen, making delicious, wholesome, and convenient eating a reality for everyone.

Where to Discover Paisley Farm Foods?

Eager to experience the distinguished Paisley Farm difference for yourself? We encourage you to visit the official Paisley Farm Foods website. There, you can explore their complete range of delightful products, uncover even more inspiring and easy-to-make recipes, and conveniently locate a store near you that carries their trusted brand. To stay continuously connected and ensure you never miss out on their latest delicious ideas and updates, be sure to follow Paisley Farm on their vibrant social media channels: connect with them on Facebook, discover visual delights on Instagram, and find endless culinary inspiration on Pinterest. Enjoy a year-round journey of fresh flavors!

Ready to Craft This Awesome Dish? Let’s Get Cooking!

This delightful combination of sweet, savory, and perfectly crispy textures is surprisingly simple to whip up, promising gourmet results with minimal effort. Gather your ingredients and prepare to impress both yourself and your guests with this vibrant and delicious creation!

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Print Recipe

Honey Bourbon Glazed Beets with Crispy Kale

Paisley Farm sweet pickled beets warmed in a Honey Bourbon Sauce, dressed up with crispy roasted baby kale and drizzled with more sauce. Perfect appetizer, side or light meal.

Prep Time
10 mins

Cook Time
20 mins

Total Time
30 mins

Cuisine: American |
Keyword: Honey Bourbon Glazed Beets with Crispy Kale

Servings: 4 |
Calories: 128kcal |
Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups Paisley Farm Sweet Pickled Beets
• For the Crispy Kale:
• 4 cups baby kale (washed, dried well, stems removed)
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon seasoned pepper
• Honey Bourbon Sauce (prepared separately, link to recipe)

Instructions

1. Wash, thoroughly dry, and meticulously prepare your kale by removing any tough stems. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the prepared kale leaves with olive oil, coarse Kosher salt, and seasoned pepper until each leaf is evenly coated. Arrange the seasoned kale in a single, uncrowded layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 minutes. Carefully flip the kale over and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the leaves achieve your desired level of delicate crispiness.
2. While your kale is roasting to perfection, take this time to prepare your Honey Bourbon Sauce according to its specific recipe instructions.
3. Once the Honey Bourbon Sauce is warm and fragrant, carefully spoon in the Paisley Farm Sweet Pickled Beets. Gently heat them through in the sauce until they are thoroughly warmed to your preferred serving temperature.
4. To beautifully plate this dish, arrange the warm Honey Bourbon Glazed Beets gracefully in the center of your serving platter. Drizzle a little extra of the luscious sauce over the beets for an added burst of flavor and a visually appealing sheen. Artfully arrange the freshly crispy roasted kale around the perimeter of the beets. Serve this elegant appetizer or side dish immediately and savor the delightful blend of textures and tastes!

Nutrition