Ingredients

  • 4 beets
  • 3/4 c. fresh orange juice
  • 13 c. raspberry vinegar
  • 2 tsp. raspberry vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. dark brown sugar
  • 1 large clove of garlic
  • 5 sprig fresh thyme
  • 1 tsp. finely chopped thyme
  • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic
  • 1/2 c. olive oil
  • 4 c. mesclun
  • 2 oranges
  • 1/2 c. crumbled ricotta salata
  • 2 tbsp. pecans

Method

  • Prepare the beets: Place beets, orange juice, 1/3 cup vinegar, brown sugar, garlic clove, and thyme sprigs in a pressure cooker and lock the lid in place following the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Over high heat, bring to high pressure.
  • Reduce the heat just enough to maintain high pressure and cook for 4 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and, again following manufacturer's instructions, quick-release the pressure.
  • Once all pressure is released, unlock the lid.
  • Pour the beets and their liquid through a strainer into a large bowl.
  • Discard the thyme sprigs and garlic clove and reserve the beets.
  • Pour the beet liquid back into the pressure-cooker pot and, over high heat, reduce the liquid to 1/4 cup.
  • Remove from heat and let cool.
  • Whisk together the cooking liquid, mustard, salt, pepper, remaining vinegar, chopped garlic, and chopped thyme in a medium bowl.
  • Add the olive oil in a thin stream, whisking constantly.
  • Assemble the salad: On a serving platter, mound the greens and top with the beets.
  • Drizzle the salad with the beet vinaigrette and top with orange sections.
  • Garnish with the cheese and pecans.
  • Serve immediately.