Combine succulent pear, colourful beetroot, spicy chorizo and buttery manchego cheese in this vibrant winter salad that’s ideal for sharing with friends
Prep:15 mins
Serves 4 as a main or 6 as a starter or side
1kg mixed beets, leaves trimmed200g chorizo, skinned and thickly sliced100g whole blanched almonds (use Marcona if it’s a special occasion)2 tbsp membrillo (quince paste)4 tbsp sherry vinegar1 tbsp lemon juice, plus an extra squeeze1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil1 large pear or 2 small firm pears (I used Red Williams)small pack parsley, leaves picked and roughly torn50g manchego, shaved
STEP 1Put the beets in a large pan of water (if you have a mix of colours, cook in separate pans as the colours will bleed). Bring the water to a boil, cover and leave to simmer – about 20-40 mins, depending on the size of the beets. Use a skewer or small sharp knife to check that they’re tender in the centre (try not to poke too often or they’ll bleed all their juices into the water).STEP 2Drain the beets and leave to cool in a colander. When cool enough to handle, peel away the skins, root and stalks, then roughly chop or slice the beets.STEP 3Put the chorizo in a cold frying pan and fry over a medium heat until crisp – you should collect lots of oil in the pan. Lift out the chorizo with a slotted spoon and keep warm. Tip in the almonds and fry quickly until just turning brown on the edges. Scoop out with a slotted spoon and place on kitchen paper to dry.STEP 4Make the dressing by melting the membrillo in the pan with the chorizo oil, sherry vinegar and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Mix in the olive oil and season.STEP 5Core and thinly slice the pear, toss with a little lemon juice to stop it browning, then arrange on a platter with the beets, chorizo and almonds. Toss together with the dressing, if you like, or serve the dressing on the side. Sprinkle over the parsley and manchego and serve immediately.
