Olia's Beetroot Leaf Rolls

Beetroot leaf rolls with buckwheat and mushrooms by Olia Hercules.

In the Carpathian highlands, in summertime, Hutsul women often use beetroot leaves to make a variation of holubtsi (‘little doves’), the iconic Ukrainian dish of cabbage rolls. The beet leaves are left in the sun to wilt slightly, to make rolling them a little easier, but I find that when you buy beetroot with leaves on, the leaves are often pretty limp already, so all they need is a quick wash. You could also include some chopped cooked chestnuts to the filling, if you like – they add a wonderful texture and flavour.