MY first experience with beetroots wasn't too disappointing like how it was for the other kids. It did feel like I was chewing on muddy grass. The earthy scent and flavour of beets didn't go down well with me but I ate it anyway because of its gorgeous colour! Unbelievable deep red from something so ordinary on the outside. I was morbidly fascinated by beetroots from the time I saw my grandma slice through one as it left bloody burgundy stains on her fingers and the wooden chopping board.
Many years later, my mom fed me with a combination of beetroot, apple and carrot juices daily at a low point when my system was down. Initially I was a little irked by the idea of having to consume raw beet but the experience wasn't bad at all. The combination was red and delicious, and, rich and healing. Two years ago, the same combination became a big part of my dad-in-law's diet when he was recovering from stomach cancer and I'd say it helped in a speedy recovery for him as well. What an extraordinary food!
Hence a cake with beetroots in it immediately appealed to me when I came across Nigel Slater's Extremely Moist Chocolate Beet Cake recipe. Having no clue on how this cake was going to taste like with beets, dark chocolate and espresso, I decided to follow the recipe to a T. Easy ingredients and quite simple to follow really but it surely needs some planning ahead. Otherwise you could very well end up with a high pile of dishes in the sink and a very messy kitchen!
The cake came out soft, moist and beautiful as promised. The key is in not over-baking it even for the slightest minute. In the flavour department, don't worry about tasting earthy beets. The dark chocolate flavour supported by the coffee translates really well and the white topping creates a palatable balance. Make it a real thick layer (of topping) if you're not a huge fan of dark, bitter chocolate though. I feel like it's quite a sophisticated cake for the mature tastebuds so it probably won't be a big hit with kids.
Personally, I'd have preferred some nuts thrown in for some texture and nutty flavours or even experiment with some lemon or orange drizzle for a bit of zing. Otherwise the recipe is still very good on its own + it's also packed with antioxidants and other nutritions.
Happy Easter y'all!
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| Beetroots cooked and made into puree for the cake. |
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| The cake demands for a lot of good quality dark chocolate. I'd have preferred some nuts too for some texture. |
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| Topped with cream cheese as I couldn't find any creme fraiche at the local store. |
Never tried beeroots before, never even heard of them at my shore.
ReplyDeletereally?
Deletenot big on taste though...well, at least on its own. hahaha.
Now that's a cake for the mature taste-bud and the un-sweet tooth. I might try some without any topping.
ReplyDeleteyea for a sophisticated gorilla :)
DeleteI've never heard of beetroot in dessert and I'd never heard of beetroot being so healthy and miraculous although I'm so glad it made you feel better Jaya. Oddly I have a weird relationship with beetroot, there was a phase I was eating it all the time when I was younger and then I just stopped for some reason. I think next time I see a jar I'll buy some and have it with some toast, it might be the saving of me haha although I have heard it makes you pee red which would be a weird experience, great post though, thanks for teaching me more about beetroot.
ReplyDeleteit apparently is Matthew !
Deletei've never known beetroot in jars but will look out for it.
oh yeah. i've peed red alright. with beetroots and red dragon fruit. more like purple really. lol
The Hurricane just sent me some tea with beetroot in it. It's delicious. Your cake is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
sounds delish, Janie. will look out for it.
Deletethank you!
So it's like a red velvet cake almost. Interesting...
ReplyDeleteyea it is a variety of red velvet without food colouring!
DeleteI might just give it a try. You know I take your word for it. :)
ReplyDeleteoh i do, Blue Man.
Deleteyou need some red in you :)
I'm so enjoying this holiday of mine. Just imagine: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday... Now all I need isa beetroot cake :)
Deleteeveryday is a holiday for me Blue Man. Are you testing the devll here ???
Deletehehehe
That's what you'd think. But I'm really a nice guy... ;)
DeleteAww. Come on now!
DeleteLook delucious..and bet the cakes must be fantastic delicious...i think i want to try today....
ReplyDeletethank you :)
DeleteHappy Easter Jaya! We also drink a carrot/beet/apple juice combination (we also add parsley, celery, ginger and baby spinach to the mix) and you're right, it's a wonderful drink that leaves you feeling nourished and replenished. Your cake looks delicious too.
ReplyDeletei might just want to add some of the extra ingredients to the juice. all sounds healthful and nourishing to me. i'd offer you some cake if you;re here Azra!
DeleteI never would have thought of a cake with beetroot in it but now I have seen it I'm all for it! Better than vanilla eh?- my Blue friend above!
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter Jaya and carry on baking!
what a combination, right ??
Deletebut it's tasty and it's better after a day i think.
Happy Easter Juliette!
Muuuuuuuuch better. As in... can I get some?
Deletehmm. make that next holiday in Doha!
DeleteI love fresh beets - one of my favorite veggies! The cake sounds good except I really don't care for coffee-flavored things (except coffee-flavored coffee, of course).
ReplyDeleteActually you can't taste the coffee in this. The espresso just enhances the flavour of dark chocolate without coming forward as coffee. That's why I like this cake.
DeleteBlugh - I do rather hate raw beets...
ReplyDeleteYour cake looks like its on a cookery show...
ReplyDeleteWhenever i try things like that it ends up looking like it was dropped, kicked and thrown.
Not sure id have beetroot Jaya, does it not overpower the sugar?