Lunch: Roasted Beets with Sesame and Marjoram

Prettiest when not piled too high; divide the salad over two platters and put one at each end of the table.

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Sesame Seeds

Health and fertility benefits of Roasted Beets with Sesame and Marjoram

Sesame seeds help with progesterone balance. Lignans found in in sesame seeds help to prevent excess estrogen production.

Ingredients

4 bunches of beets with tops or 2 pounds medium beets
1/2 bunch Swiss chard, ribs and stems removed, leaves torn into large pieces
5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
1/2 bunch marjoram or oregano, plus 2 tablespoons leaves
1/2 cup crème fraîche
1/2 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon Sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 °. Trim tops from beets; set aside half of tops (reserve remainder for another use). Scrub beets, pat dry, and slice 1/4" thick. Toss in a large bowl with 4 tablespoons oil; season with salt and pepper. Scatter marjoram sprigs across a rimmed baking sheet and arrange beets on top in as even a layer as possible (some overlap is okay). Roast, tossing occasionally, until beets are tender, 15 –20 minutes. Remove from oven and toss in reserved beet greens; roast just until slightly wilted, about 2 minutes. Let cool.
Scatter marjoram sprigs across a rimmed baking sheet and arrange beets on top in as even a layer as possible (some overlap is okay). Roast, tossing occasionally, until beets are tender, 15 –20 minutes. Remove from oven and toss in reserved beet greens; roast just until slightly wilted, about 2 minutes. Let cool.
Meanwhile, whisk crème fraîche, yogurt, and 1 teaspoon vinegar in a small bowl; season with salt; set aside.
Smash sesame seeds, 2 tablespoons marjoram leaves, and a generous pinch of salt in a mortar and pestle to combine. (Alternatively, chop with a knife.) Transfer to a small bowl and mix in remaining 1 tablespoon oil; set sesame salt aside.
Drizzle roasted beets and greens with remaining 1 tablespoon vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Spoon reserved crème fraîche mixture between 2 platters and arrange beets and greens on top; sprinkle with sesame salt.
Do ahead: Beets (without greens) can be roasted 1 day ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before using; sauté greens separately. Sesame salt can be made 2 days ahead; cover and chill.

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