I used to hate beets with a passion. I found them to be the most disgusting food I knew. Then I tried borscht, with loads of sour cream, and I started to change my mind. This was followed by roasted beets and a little light went off in my head. Beets are good. Really good!

I am now a confirmed beet eater. I like them most roasted but I even like them boiled and for kicks, grated raw as in this salad.

The salad consists of grated beets, pomegranate seeds, toasted black walnuts, drained cooked white beans, oil, lemon juice, and chives. I've made this many times without the beans but I shared my passion for this on Twitter and I was asked about beans and I thought, why the hell not. I had cooked cassoulet (Tarbais) beans on hand. It was terrific.

I would serve this composed, as in the photo, but toss it well before actually eating. Every bite should be fresh, slightly tart, and thanks to the beans, a little creamy.