master

This recipe offers all the warm, hearty flavor of our favorite Eastern European comfort food. Thin-sliced beef takes on an delicious tenderness when sautéed with caramelized onion—whose rich, flavorful sweetness is accented by our side of thyme-roasted beet and carrots. (Depending on what’s best at the farms near you, you may receive a round or cylindrical beet.) And to complete the meal, we’re preparing a winter classic: potato latkes, made with matzo meal and egg and served with a dollop of crème fraîche.

Ethan Mick

with Roasted Beet & Carrots

Sautéed Beef & Potato Latkes

Thinly Sliced Beef

Cage-Free Farm Egg

Carrots

Russet Potatoes

Yellow Onion

Beet

Thyme

Chives

Crème Fraîche

Tomato Paste

White Wine Vinegar

Matzo Meal

Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 475°F. Wash and dry the fresh produce. On a paper towel-lined cutting board, peel the beet; cut into ½-inch-thick sticks. [Peel the carrots](#); cut into ½-inch-thick sticks. Pick the thyme off the stems; discard the stems. Peel the onion; thinly slice 1 half, leaving the remaining half intact. Cut the chives into 1-inch pieces.

Prepare the ingredients:

Place the **beet** and **carrots** on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil; season with salt, pepper and **half the thyme**. Toss to thoroughly coat. Arrange in a single, even layer and roast, stirring halfway through, 16 to 18 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven.

Roast the beet & carrots:

While the beet and carrots roast, in a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium until hot. Add the **sliced onion**.  Cook, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add **1 tablespoon of water**. Cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes, or until very tender. Add the **tomato paste** and **remaining thyme**; cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes, or until dark red. Add the **vinegar** and **¼ cup of water** (be careful, as the liquid may splatter). Cook, stirring frequently, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until well combined. Transfer to a bowl.

Caramelize the onion:

While the onion cooks, crack the **egg** into a large bowl; beat until smooth. Grate the **potatoes** and **remaining onion half** on the large side of a box grater. Place in the bowl of beaten egg and season with salt and pepper. Add the **matzo meal**; mix until thoroughly combined. Using your hands, divide the mixture into 6 equal-sized portions, squeezing out and discarding any excess liquid. Flatten each portion into a ¼-inch-thick round and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Form the latkes:

Rinse and wipe out the pan used to caramelize the onion. In the same pan, heat a thin layer of oil on medium-high until hot. Once the oil is hot enough that a drop of the latke mixture sizzles immediately when added to the pan, add the **latkes**. (If necessary, work in batches.) Cook 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and immediately season with salt; set aside in a warm place. Carefully discard the oil and wipe out the pan.

Cook the latkes:

Using your hands, separate the **beef**; pat dry with paper towels. Transfer to a bowl; season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. In the same pan, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil on high until hot. Add the beef in a single layer; cook, without stirring, 1 to 2 minutes, or until browned on the first side. Add the **caramelized onion**. Cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until combined and the beef is just cooked through. Divide the beef, **cooked latkes** and **roasted beet and carrots** between 2 dishes. Garnish with the **chives**. Garnish the latkes with the **crème fraîche**. Enjoy!