Russian Beet Salad

Adapted from Enchanted Broccoli Forest
Preparation time: 30 minutes, plus time to chill
Yield: 4 or 5 servings
8 healthy (2 1/2-inch diameter) beets
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 medium clove garlic, minced
1 to 2 teaspoons honey
1/2 teaspoon salt (possibly more)
1/2 cup minced red onion
1 medium cucumber„peeled, seeded, and minced
1 cup yogurt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
2 scallions, minced (whites and greens)
2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered or chopped

  1. Trim the beets of their stems and greens, and place the beets in a medium-large saucepan. Cover them with water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 25 minutes, or until tender enough for a fork to slide in easily.
  2. Meanwhile, combine the vinegar, garlic, honey, salt, red onion, and cucumber in a medium-large bowl.
  3. Rinse the cooked beets under cold running water as you rub off and discard their skins. Chop into 1/2-inch pieces, and add them, still warm, to the bowl. Stir and let stand about 30 minutes.
  4. Stir in the yogurt, and season to taste with black pepper and, if necessary, more salt. Mix well, cover tightly, and chill until very cold.
  5. Shortly before serving, stir in the dill and scallions. Serve garnished with hard-boiled eggs.