Barbabietola

To cook beetroot, first cut off the top leaves without damaging the skin and boil the roots for about two hours, depending on the size. They can also be baked in a moderate oven, covered with their own leaves and with water around them, for about 1-1½ hours. Once cool, cooked beetroot may be peeled and cut in slices to add to mixed salads. However, I prefer them in a salad of their own, with just fresh coriander, spring onions, salt, virgin olive oil and some good wine vinegar.