Roasted Beets and Cherries Zatar

Ingredients

• 8
  
  red beets,2 1/2 inches in diameter,scrubbed
  
• 2
  
  tablespoons olive oil
  
• 1
  
  cup plain yogurt
  
• 2
  
  tablespoons chopped red onion
  
• 2
  
  tablespoons snipped mint
  
• 1
  
  tablespoon black sesame seeds
  
• 1
  
  teaspoon sumac
  
• 1/4
  
  teaspoon lemon zest
  
• 1/4
  
  teaspoon sea salt
  
• 1
  
  cup coarsely chopped pitted sweet cherries
  
• garnish
  
  watercress sprigs
  

Directions

1. Combine the beets and oil in a 13 x 9 x 2 inch glass baking dish;toss to coat, then bake at 450 degrees uncovered 1 hour or till tender.
2. Cool the beets slightly before peeling, then cut each beet into quarters and place them in a shallow serving dish.
3. In a small bowl combine the yogurt, onion, mint, sesame seeds, sumac, zest and salt till well mixed, then fold in the cherries.
4. Spoon the cherry topping over the beets, garnish with the watercress and serve.