How to Cook Beets 1
Discover how to prepare beets in three distinct methods. Beets can be roasted, steamed, or boiled. While they are most commonly linked to borscht, the pink soup from Eastern Europe, beets have numerous other applications. You can pickle them, create salads, and much more.
Are you a beet enthusiast? If so, you are fortunate because I will demonstrate how to cook them in three different ways! Whether you prefer to roast, steam, or boil them, I have you covered. Beets are a nutritious vegetable that is low in calories and high in fiber. They also provide essential nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. Let us begin!
REASONS TO LEARN TO COOK BEETS
Beets are fantastic in salads, roasted as a side dish, used for pickled eggs, in borscht, and in countless other recipes.
You can utilize beets as a natural food coloring in pancakes, cakes, and cookies without changing the flavor!
They contribute a beautiful burst of color to your plate and are rich in vitamins – a single serving provides 20 percent of your daily folate requirement.
The method you choose to cook beets will largely depend on the recipe you are following. You will need to either boil, roast, or steam them, based on what you are preparing. Roasting will impart a slightly charred flavor, boiling will yield a softer beet, and steaming will fall somewhere in between. If you are preparing them as a side dish, all three methods outlined below are delightful, so the choice is yours!
HOW TO ROAST BEETS
Place washed beets on a large sheet of aluminum foil. The foil should be sufficiently large to completely encase the beets.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Fold the sides of the foil to create a sealed pouch for the beets. Set it on a baking sheet to catch any drippings and roast in the preheated oven.
When the beets are tender enough to be pierced with a fork, they are ready. Allow them to cool, then peel them under running water.
How to steam beets
Outfit a large pot with a steamer and fill it with water, ensuring that the water level remains below the bottom of the steamer. The water levels may vary based on your steamer configuration. Bring the water to a boil.
Place the beets in the steamer basket and cover it. Steam on high until the beets are tender enough to be pierced with a fork, which will depend on their size. Allow them to cool, then peel them under running water.
2 image collage to demonstrate the process of steaming beets in a steamer basket
How to boil beets
Combine the beets, vinegar, bay leaf, garlic, and salt in a large pot. Fill the pot with water until the beets are completely submerged and bring it to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cook until the beets are fork-tender, which will vary according to their size. Allow them to cool, then remove the skin under running water.
2 image collage to illustrate how to boil beets in a small pot on the stovetop
Tips for cooking beets
Be attentive to the size of the beets. Size is important: small beets may be ready in 10 minutes, while larger ones could take up to 40 minutes. Keep checking regardless of the method you are using.
Do not peel the beet skin before cooking. It is unnecessary, and it is much easier to peel after cooking. Some people also find that peeling before cooking diminishes the earthy flavor of the beets.
Add vinegar (or lemon juice) to the boiling water. This is a technique I learned that helps preserve the beets' vibrant red (or orange) color with just a small amount of either vinegar or lemon juice. It is effective, and you will not notice the acidity.
Be cautious of staining. Indeed, beets can be challenging to handle at times due to staining. Most stains are easy to clean, but they can be persistent on cutting boards.
HOW TO REHEAT & STORE cooked beets
The optimal method for storing beets involves wrapping them in foil and placing them in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you may utilize a Ziploc bag or an airtight container. Beets are known to release moisture while in the fridge, so it is advisable to store them upright to prevent any mess.
When you are prepared to reheat them, simply place them in the oven at 350 degrees for approximately 15-20 minutes or until they are thoroughly heated. If you choose to microwave them, cook on high for about three minutes or until they are heated through.
HOW LONG WILL cooked beets LAST IN THE FRIDGE?
Your beets should remain fresh in the refrigerator for around 5 days. Should you observe any signs of mold or detect an unpleasant odor, it is important to discard them.
CAN I FREEZE beets after cooking them?
Indeed, you can freeze your cooked beets! Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Beets can be kept in the freezer for approximately 12 months. When you wish to consume them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or utilize the defrost setting on your microwave.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the easiest way to peel cooked beets?
One method is to scrub the peel off under running water. Alternatively, you may employ the dry method by using a paper towel to rub off the outer skin.
When should I cut my beets before cooking?
For certain purposes, such as roasting beets alongside other chopped vegetables on a sheet pan, it is indeed practical to peel and slice the beets prior to roasting. However, it is generally easier to slice larger beets after they have been cooked.
Do I need to cook beets before juicing them?
No, provided that you possess a juicer capable of processing hard vegetables, there is no requirement to cook beets prior to juicing.
If you have been reluctant to prepare beets due to uncertainty about the optimal cooking methods, I trust this tutorial has been beneficial! Beets are a vibrant and enjoyable way to enhance both flavor and nutrition on your plate. Please share which method you choose and enjoy!
Recipes to create with beets:
- Roasted Beet Salad
- Beet Pickled Eggs
- Beet Orange Salad
- Fall Harvest Salad
- Farro Grain Bowl
- Vegetable Spring Rolls
Should you find this tutorial on How to Cook Beets useful or if you attempt any recipe from Feel Good Foodie, please remember to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! Your feedback assists others who are considering this tutorial, and we would be eager to learn about your experience. Additionally, if you captured any photos, feel free to share them on Instagram so we can feature them in our Stories!
Notes
Storage: Cooked beets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for as long as 12 months.
Cut off the beets stalk. You can cook the stalk like chard, if you like.
Cut off the pointy tip.
Rinse the beets.
Place the beets in a pot and submerge with waterBoil for 45 minutes, or until you can pierce the beets with a fork, all the way to the middle of the beet.
Remove beets from the water. Let cool until you can handle the beets. Skin them with a butter knife.
That’s how to cook beets! They are super good cooked this way. I always serve beets with steak, and often with a hearty pasta. After all, like I already said, beets keep your plumbing clear.
health-benefits-of-beets
Cut off the pointy tip.
Rinse the beets.
Place the beets in a pot and submerge with waterBoil for 45 minutes, or until you can pierce the beets with a fork, all the way to the middle of the beet.
Remove beets from the water. Let cool until you can handle the beets. Skin them with a butter knife.
That’s how to cook beets! They are super good cooked this way. I always serve beets with steak, and often with a hearty pasta. After all, like I already said, beets keep your plumbing clear.
health-benefits-of-beets
