In honor of one of my favorite vegetables, I came up with this delicious roasted beet dip. It’s sweet, sour, and salty—with a little added oomph from fresh pepper—perfect with crudité or crackers.

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve adored beets. My dad used to make the best herring salad with beets and eggs, and I would eat it directly from the bowl with a spoon.

Beets are one of those underrated vegetables, like cabbage or rutabaga. Not only are they sweet and earthy, but the color—oh, that deep fuchsia color. I loved helping my dad peel the beets and how my hands would be all red after. I would run around the house trying to scare my family.

I always prepare beets the same way: Cut off the end bit, and put them in an ovenproof dish. Drizzle them with vegetable oil, and cover the dish with foil. Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes, depending on the size, until tender. Cool, peel, and voilà!

SERVES 4

You will need:

1. Cut the roasted beets into cubes, and place in a food processor with goat cheese, Parmesan, oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Process until you have a smooth dip.
3. Transfer to a serving bowl, and top with Parmesan, pine nuts, oil, pepper, and fresh basil.