Dracula's Beet and Orange Salad

Ingredients

• 4 pounds trimmed beets (without tops), unpeeled
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 12 oranges, rind and pith cut free with a serrated knife and sections cut away from the membranes
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
• 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup distilled vinegar
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 red onions, thinly sliced
• Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Directions

In a pot, combine the beets with the red wine vinegar and enough cold water to cover them by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer until tender, about 40 minutes. Drain the beets and let them cool. (The beets may be cooked 1 day in advance and kept covered and chilled.) Peel the beets and cut them into 1-inch wedges.

In a small saucepan, combine zest, orange juice, sugar, and vinegar and boil the mixture until it is reduced to about 1/4 cup. Let the mixture cool.

In a large bowl, whisk together the orange mixture, oil, and salt and pepper to form a smooth dressing. Add the beet slices, orange segments, and onion and mix until well combined. Let stand at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 6 hours, to let the flavors come together. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with the parsley.