Introduction

Beets may seem like a daunting root vegetable to cook if you’ve never done it before, but with the right tools and techniques, cooking beets can be easy and delicious. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to cook beets, easy recipes to get you started, and tips and tricks to make the most of this nutritious vegetable.

A Step-by-Step Guide: “How to Cook Beets for Beginners”

There are several ways to cook beets, including boiling, roasting, and steaming. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare and cook beets using each method:

Boiling Beets

To boil beets, start by washing them thoroughly and trimming off the greens and roots. Cut the beets into halves or quarters, then place them in a pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 30-45 minutes or until tender. Once cooked, drain the beets and rinse them under cold water. The skins should easily peel off.

Tips: Add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the boiling water to help preserve the color of the beets. You can also add spices, herbs or sugar to the water for additional flavor.

Roasting Beets

Preheat the oven to 400F. Wash and trim the beets as per the instructions above. Individually wrap each beet in aluminum foil and place them in a baking dish. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until tender. Once cooked, let the beets cool for several minutes before peeling off the skin.

Tips: While roasting, you can add garlic, thyme, or other herbs, which will enhance the flavor of the beets. You can also try adding sliced beets to a roasted vegetable medley.

Steaming Beets

To steam beets, cut them into smaller pieces and place them in a steamer basket. Bring a pot of water to a simmer and place the basket over the pot, making sure the water doesn’t touch the beets. Cover the steamer and allow to cook for 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, let the beets cool for several minutes before peeling off the skin.

Tips: Add a pinch of salt to the water to help intensify the flavor of the beets. You may also add lemon or other citrus fruits to the water to impart a fresh flavor.

5 Easy Recipes for Cooking Beets to Perfection

Here are five different recipes that use beets as the main ingredient:

Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

A classic salad that incorporates the bold flavors of roasted beets and tangy goat cheese.

• 3-4 medium-sized beets, roasted
• 4 cups fresh arugula
• 2 oz. crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dice the roasted beets into small cubes. Arrange the arugula on a serving plate and top with the cubed beets, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped walnuts. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing on top of the salad and serve immediately.

Beet Hummus

A twist on traditional hummus, this recipe adds the natural sweetness of beets to the mix.

• 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium beet, roasted and peeled
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, roasted beet, garlic, tahini, and lemon juice. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Drizzle in the olive oil while the food processor is running and season with salt and pepper. Serve with pita chips or fresh vegetables.

Beet Smoothie Bowl

A refreshing breakfast or snack that incorporates nutritious beets.

• 1 medium-size beet, steamed
• 1 banana, sliced
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup granola
• 1/4 cup frozen blueberries

In a blender, combine the steamed beets, banana, and Greek yogurt. Blend until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and top with granola and frozen blueberries.

Beet Burger

A vegetarian burger that has a delightful color thanks to the beets and is high in nutritional value.

• 2 small beets, peeled and grated
• 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

In a food processor, pulse the black beans, rolled oats, flour, and egg until well combined. Add in the grated beet, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse a few more times until everything is mixed together. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook until both sides are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Roasted Beets with Feta and Honey

A simple side dish that can be made with minimal effort.

• 3-4 medium-sized beets, roasted
• 2 oz. crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dice the roasted beets into small cubes. Arrange the beets on a plate and top with crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle honey over the feta and beets. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The Health Benefits of Eating Beets and How to Cook Them

Beets are low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. They are particularly rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Studies have shown that beets may improve athletic performance, reduce inflammation, and lower blood pressure. Here are a few tips to maximize the nutritional benefits of beets when cooking:

• Use the beet greens! They are high in nutrients and can be sautéed, baked or added to soups.
• Add a splash of lemon juice or other citrus fruit to your beet recipes; vitamin C, which is found in citrus fruits, enhances the absorption of iron in beets.
• When roasting beets, keep them whole to help lock in nutrients and avoid nutrient loss.
• Beet juice can also be a nutritious addition to your diet. Drinking fresh beet juice is an easy way to get the benefits of beets without adding the calories that come with eating them. Beet juice has also been shown to improve exercise performance and lower blood pressure.

What to Do with Beet Greens: A Guide to Cooking Them

When you buy beets, don’t throw away the greens! Beet greens are high in iron, calcium, and vitamin K. Here’s how to cook them:

Sautéed Beet Greens with Garlic

This is a simple and easy way to cook beet greens. It’s the perfect side dish for your roasted beet or grilled meat.

• 1 bunch of beet greens
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Separate the greens from the stems and rinse them thoroughly. Then chop the greens in half or into small pieces. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the beet greens, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the greens are wilted.

How to Roast Beets: Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Texture

Roasting beets can enhance their flavor and improve their texture. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you roast beets to perfection:

• Roast the beets whole, with the skins on, in aluminum foil to keep their juices intact.
• Cut the beets into equal-sized pieces to ensure they cook through evenly.
• Bake beets at 375F, with plenty of time to cook through fully, around 45-60 minutes should do it.

What to Pair with Roasted Beets: A Guide to Matching Flavors

Roasted beets are versatile and pair well with several different flavors. Here are a few suggestions:

• Goat cheese
• Arugula
• Walnuts
• Balsamic vinegar

How to Make a Delicious Beet Salad: Recipes and Tips from a Chef

A salad doesn’t have to be boring, and this recipe showcases how to elevate the humble beet salad into something delectably moreish.

Beet and Fennel Salad with Orange and Goat Cheese

• 4 medium-size beets, roasted and peeled
• 1 medium-size fennel bulb, trimmed and thinly sliced
• 1 navel orange, peeled and segmented
• 1/2 cups baby arugula
• 2 oz. goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Arrange the roasted beets, fennel, orange segments, and arugula on a serving platter. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and top with crumbled goat cheese.

Conclusion

Cooking beets can be intimidating when you first start, but with a little bit of knowledge and practice, it can be easy and fun. This article has provided you with step-by-step guides, five easy recipes, and tips and tricks to help you make the most of this nutritious and versatile root vegetable.