Shawarma Spiced Beets with Garlicky Labneh

Ingredients:

• ½ tsp. coriander seeds
• ½ tsp. cumin seeds
• ½ tsp. fennel seeds
• ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
• ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
• 3 lb. golden beets, scrubbed, tops trimmed, bulbs halved and sliced lengthwise ½" thick
• 2 medium fennel bulbs, fronds reserved, bulbs halved and sliced ½" thick
• ½ cup plus 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
• 1 lemon plus 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 shallots, peeled, thinly sliced
• 1 Tbsp. honey
• 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup labneh or whole-milk Greek yogurt
• 1 cup mint leaves
• 1 cup parsley leaves with tender stems
•  

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400° Lightly crush coriander, cumin, and fennel seeds in spice mill or with mortar and pestle. Transfer to a small bowl. Add cayenne, cinnamon, and a 4-finger pinch of salt; season with black pepper.
2. Toss beets, fennel, and ½ cup oil in a large bowl. Add spice mixture and garlic and toss again to combine. Divide beet mixture between 2 rimmed baking sheets. Roast, tossing occasionally, until beets are tender and golden brown around the edges, about 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, using a vegetable peeler, remove lemon peel in wide strips, avoiding the pith. Thinly slice peel and transfer to a small bowl. Trim both ends of lemon so you can set it upright. Using a sharp knife, cut away lemon rind, exposing flesh. Cut lemon crosswise into ½" rounds; remove seeds. Finely chop lemon flesh and add to bowl with lemon peel. Add shallots, honey, red pepper flakes, 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, and a 4-finger pinch of salt. Stir in 2 Tbsp. oil; season with black pepper. Let dressing sit until ready to use.
4. Pop out garlic cloves into a medium bowl. Add labneh, season with salt and black pepper, and stir to combine.
5. Spread garlicky labneh onto 2 platters. Arrange roasted beets and fennel over, then spoon dressing over. Chop about ½ cup fennel fronds. Scatter fronds, mint, and parsley over vegetables. Serve warm or at room temperature.

https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/shawarma-spiced-beets-with-garlicky-labneh