I. Introduction

Do you find yourself constantly searching for new and exciting healthy recipes to include in your diet? Have you ever tried roasting beets? Roasting beets is a great way to cook these nutrient-dense root vegetables and surprisingly delicious! In this article, we will explore the benefits of roasting beets and how to do it perfectly. We’ll also provide some delicious recipes and ideas for incorporating roasted beets into your diet.

II. The Benefits of Roasting Beets and How to Do It Perfectly

Beets are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable that is packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. Roasting beets is a method that retains the maximum nutritional value of the beets.

When roasting beets, it is important to choose beets of similar size to ensure even cooking. Scrub the beets, trim the ends, and peel them. This step is essential as the skin can be quite tough and unpleasant to eat. Once they have been peeled, you can cut them into your desired shape. We recommend cutting them into quarters or wedges as this will help to keep them moist and tender during cooking.

A. Why Roasting Beets is Healthy

Roasting beets is a healthy cooking method as it does not require any added fats or oils. The natural sugars in the beets are caramelized during the roasting process, which gives the beets a naturally sweet taste.

B. Best Ways to Roast Beets

There are several ways to roast beets including oven roasting, grilling, and boiling. Each method has its own unique advantages, and the best one for you will depend on the equipment you have and your personal preference.

C. Tips for Getting the Perfect Roasted Beets

To get perfectly roasted beets, make sure to choose beets of similar size, cut them into evenly sized pieces, and use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the beets and the cooking method, so it is important to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or undercooking. We recommend flipping the beets halfway through cooking to ensure even roasting.

III. A Step by Step Guide to Roasting Beets with Different Cooking Techniques

A. Oven Roasting

1. Preparation

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Wash, peel, and cut the beets into quarters or wedges. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper and spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

2. Cooking Time and Temperature

Cook the beets for 35-45 minutes or until they are tender. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even roasting.

B. Grilling

1. Preparation

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Wash, peel, and cut the beets into quarters or wedges. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

2. Cooking Time and Temperature

Place the beets directly on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes or until they are tender. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even roasting.

C. Boiling

1. Preparation

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Wash, peel, and cut the beets into quarters or wedges.

2. Cooking Time and Temperature

Place the beets in the boiling water and cook for 20-30 minutes or until they are tender. Drain and serve.

IV. Delicious Recipes to Try with Roasted Beets as the Star Ingredient

A. Warm Beet Salad with Feta and Honey

This warm beet salad is a delicious and healthy lunch or dinner option. The combination of the sweet beets, salty feta, and tangy balsamic vinegar is irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 roasted beets, cut into wedges
• 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Toss the beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper
3. Roast the beets for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
4. Place the beets in a large bowl. Toss with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
5. Add feta cheese and walnuts and stir to combine.
6. Serve warm.

B. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Crostini

These crostinis are an elegant and flavorful appetizer. The combination of the sweet roasted beets and tangy goat cheese is divine.

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced into rounds
• 3-4 roasted beets, sliced
• 4 ounces goat cheese
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Bake the baguette slices for 5-7 minutes or until lightly toasted and golden brown.
4. In a small bowl, mix together goat cheese, honey, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
5. Top each crostini with a slice of roasted beet and a dollop of goat cheese mixture.
6. Drizzle with olive oil before serving.

C. Beet Hummus

This beet hummus is a colorful and tasty twist on classic hummus. It’s perfect for dipping vegetables or spreading on toast.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas (15 oz.), drained and rinsed
• 2-3 roasted beets, peeled and roughly chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Add the chickpeas, beets, garlic, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice to a food processor.
2. Pulse until smooth and creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Transfer to a bowl and serve with vegetables or pita chips.

D. Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad

This refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of the roasted beets and peppery arugula is a winning combination.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 roasted beets, cut into wedges
• 4 cups baby arugula
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the arugula and toss to coat.
3. Place the arugula on a serving dish.
4. Add the roasted beets on top of the arugula.
5. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and chopped walnuts on top.
6. Serve immediately.

V. Ways to Incorporate Roasted Beets into Salads, Soups and Other Dishes

A. Delicious Ways to Use Roasted Beets in Salads

Roasted beets are a perfect addition to any salad. The natural sweetness and beautiful color make salads more interesting.

• Mixed greens with roasted beets, goat cheese, and candied pecans
• Roasted beet, quinoa, and black bean salad
• Spiralized beet and apple salad with feta and pecans

B. Roasted Beet Soup Recipes

Roasted beet soups are a great comforting dish in colder months. The addition of coconut milk or cream can make the soup smooth and velvety.

• Creamy roasted beet soup with coconut milk
• Borscht- the classic Russian beet soup
• Roasted beet and carrot soup

C. Using Roasted Beets in Pasta Dishes

Roasted beets add color and flavor to pasta dishes that make them more interesting.

• Roasted beet and goat cheese pasta
• Roasted beet and arugula tagliatelle
• Beet gnocchi with sage and brown butter

VI. Roasting Beets with Spices and Herbs

A. Flavorful Herbs to Use When Roasting Beets

Using flavorful herbs in conjunction with roasted beets can take the taste to the next level.

• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Basil

B. Spices That Go Well with Roasted Beets

Certain spices can liven up roasted beets and bring unique flavor to the dish.

• Cumin
• Paprika
• Ginger

VII. Conclusion

Roasting beets is a healthy and delicious way to incorporate these nutrient-dense vegetables into your diet. Whether you prefer them roasted plain or seasoned with herbs and spices, the possibilities are endless. With our suggestions, you can transform roasted beets from a side dish to the star of the show in any meal.