Cooking beets can be a straightforward and rewarding process, offering a delicious and nutritious addition to various meals. Here are three common methods to cook beets: roasting, boiling, and steaming.
Roasting Beets
Roasting beets is a great way to bring out their natural sweetness and add a rich, caramelized flavor.
Steps:
Prepare the Beets: Wash and scrub the beets to remove any dirt. You can leave the skin on or peel them, depending on your preference.
Season the Beets: Toss the beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. If you’re using whole beets, place them on a large piece of aluminum foil. If using sliced beets, lay them out in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet[3][5].
Create a Foil Pouch: For whole beets, gather up the sides of the foil and create a sealed pouch. For sliced beets, you can section off the vegetables with aluminum foil if needed.
Roast in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for whole beets or 400°F (204°C) for sliced beets. Place the beets on a baking sheet and roast until they are fork-tender. This typically takes about 45-60 minutes for whole beets and 25-30 minutes for sliced beets[1][3][5].
Boiling Beets
Boiling is a simple method that results in tender beets with minimal effort.
Steps:
Prepare the Beets: Trim the tops off the beets, leaving about 2 inches of the stem. Wash and scrub the beets to remove any dirt.
Boil the Beets: Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the beets by about 1 inch. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the beets are fork-tender, which usually takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on their size[1][3][5].
Cool and Peel: Once cooked, cool the beets under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Then, peel off the skin.
Steaming Beets
Steaming is an excellent method for preserving the vibrant color and nutrients of the beets.
Steps:
Prepare the Beets: Trim the tops off the beets and wash them thoroughly. You can leave the skin on or peel them.
Steam the Beets: Fill a large pot with enough water so that it does not rise above the steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil, then place the beets in the steamer basket. Cover the pot and steam the beets until they are fork-tender, which typically takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on their size[3][5].
Cool and Peel: Once cooked, cool the beets under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Then, peel off the skin.
Important Facts About Cooking Beets
Methods: Beets can be cooked using three primary methods: roasting, boiling, and steaming. Each method offers different flavor profiles and textures[1][3][5].
Preparation: Always wash and scrub the beets before cooking. Leaving the skin on during cooking can help retain the color and nutrients[1][3][5].
Cooking Times: The cooking time varies by method and size of the beets. Roasting whole beets takes about 45-60 minutes, boiling takes about 30-45 minutes, and steaming takes about 30-40 minutes[1][3][5].
Flavor Enhancement: Roasting intensifies the natural sweetness of beets through caramelization, boiling softens the fibers, and steaming preserves the color and nutrients[3][5].
Cooling and Peeling: After cooking, cool the beets under cold running water to stop the cooking process, then peel off the skin for easier handling and use in recipes[1][3][5].
By following these steps and tips, you can easily incorporate delicious and nutritious beets into your meals.
