Stuffed Beets - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup basmati rice
2 shallots, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, more to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, more to taste
kosher salt
fresh ground black pepper
3 large beets, halved

Preparation

In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, shallots, and spices (including salt and pepper to taste); mix well and set aside.
Use a knife to remove the core and create a hollow for the rice mixture (do not toss the core, it will be used to top the rice).
Place a spoonful of the rice mixture into each beet and top with the cored portion (don't overstuff, the rice will grow as it cooks).
Coat a saucepan with oil and place each beet into it, so that they are touching and holding each other upright.
Cover with water and season with salt; heat over medium heat and cover once it starts to boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer and cook 30 minutes.