Beets, with their striking color and earthy sweetness, are a versatile and nutritious addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, learning how to cook beets is a valuable skill. In this blog, we'll explore several methods to prepare and enjoy these nutritious root vegetables.

Preparing Beets for Cooking

Before you dive into cooking beets, it's essential to know how to select and prepare them. Here are the steps:

1. Select Fresh Beets:

Look for beets with vibrant, unblemished skins and fresh, crisp leaves if they're still attached.

2. Wash and Peel:

Begin by washing the beets thoroughly under cold running water. If you prefer, peel the skin with a vegetable peeler. This step is optional and depends on your preference.

3. Trim the Tops:

Cut off the beet greens about an inch from the top, leaving a small portion of the stem to prevent the beets from bleeding color during cooking.

4. Cut into Desired Size:

Slice or cube the beets as needed for your chosen cooking method.

Cooking Methods

Boiling Beets:

Place the beets in a pot of boiling water, ensuring they're fully submerged. Boil until they become tender, usually for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the beets. You can test for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into a beet; it should go easily.

Roasting Beets:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the beets in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and cover with foil. Roast for about 45 minutes to an hour or until tender. You can check for doneness by piercing the beets with a fork.

Steaming Beets:

Place the beets in a steamer basket and steam them for approximately 25-30 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a fork.

Microwaving Beets:

Place the beets in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water, cover, and cook on high for 8-10 minutes. Check for doneness by poking the beets with a fork.

Cooked Beets Peel

Once your beets are cooked, you can peel them easily. The skin should slide off without much effort. Be careful, as beets can be quite hot, so use a fork or wear gloves if needed.

Serving Beets

Cooked beets can be served in various ways:

As a Side Dish: Slice or dice cooked beets and season with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add herbs like dill or chives for extra flavor.

In Salads: Beets are a delightful addition to salads. Slice or cube them and toss with greens, goat cheese, nuts, and a vinaigrette.

As a Puree: Blend cooked beets with a touch of yogurt or sour cream to create a creamy beet puree. Season to taste.

In Soups: Add cooked and diced beets to borscht or other beet-based soups.

Beets are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Learning how to cook beets opens up a world of culinary possibilities, so don't hesitate to incorporate these vibrant root vegetables into your cooking routine. Whether roasted, boiled, steamed, or microwaved, beets are a tasty and nutritious addition to your meals.