Ukrainian Easter Beet Horseradish Relish (Tsvikly)

This very popular concoction, Ukrainian Easter Beet Horseradish Relish, is welcome at any festive table, not only for its tart and tangy taste, but also for its refreshing color. It accentuates roasts, smoked meats, pashtet, egg dishes and casseroles.

Yield: about 2 pints

Ingredients

Beets

• 9 or 10 medium beets
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup fresh grated horseradish
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dill seeds or caraway seeds (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Uncooked Horseradish Sauce

• 3 tablespoons fresh grated horseradish
• 1 cup sour cream or clabbered cream*
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar of lemon juice (or to taste)

Instructions

Beets

1. Cut off beet tops to 1/2 inch. Scrub well. Cook covered with water over low heat until peel slips off easily, about 2 hours.
2. Cool in liquid. Slip off peel, and cut off taproot, and grate in processor.
3. In a large bowl, mix beets with other ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning.
4. Pack into jars, cover, and refrigerate at least 3 days.
5. Allow to ripen at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving.

Uncooked Horseradish Sauce

1. Mix ingredients in a nonmetallic bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Notes

* Clabbered cream is of lighter consistency than sour cream and is comparable to the French half clotted cream. It is made at home by mixing 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of yogurt and left overnight in a warm place.

Keeps well in refrigerator.

Attribution

Posted by Olga at Recipe Goldmine March 20, 2002 15:35:29.