Depending on how you like your beets you can prepare them in several different ways. You can steam them, roast them or peel them. There are also a variety of ways to season them.
Peeling
Whether you’re looking to peel beets to prepare them for cooking, or you want to freeze them for later use, it’s important to get the peeling right. There are a few simple tricks you can follow to ensure the process goes smoothly.
First, make sure to clean your beets well. This will help prevent stains on your cutting board. You can do this with a sharp knife or vegetable peeler.
Once your beets are clean, it’s time to start peeling them. You can do this with your hands, or with a paring knife. You may want to wear gloves to avoid staining your hands.
Cooking
Whether you like them mashed, roasted or boiled, you will find that beets are one of nature’s most delicious vegetables. With their earthy flavor and rich nutrients, beets are a versatile vegetable that you can use in a variety of dishes. Here are some tips for how to cook beets.
To start, clean the beets thoroughly. Scrub them using a vegetable brush. Then cut off the green leaves. Leaving about an inch of the red stalk at the top, rinse the beets.
Alternatively, you can wrap the beets in aluminum foil. This helps them to stay tender and prevents them from drying out. You can then place the wrapped beets on a baking sheet in the preheated oven. After about 45-60 minutes, remove them from the oven and peel them.
Depending on how large your beets are, the cooking time will vary. Small beets may be ready in just 10 minutes, while larger beets may need up to 40 minutes. The cooking time also depends on the power of your microwave.
Once cooked, beets can be peeled and sliced or mashed. They can be served as a side dish or as a topping for grain bowls. They can be stored in an airt-t container or a plastic zip lock bag for up to two weeks.
To prevent bleeding, you can add lemon juice to your beets during cooking. It can also help keep the color of the beets bright.
Steaming
Whether you’re looking for a healthier way to prepare your vegetables, or you just want a quick and easy meal for a busy weeknight, steaming beets is a great option. This method of cooking maximizes the nutrients in your vegetable, and avoids the mess of boiling.
Beets are a good source of potassium, folate, manganese, and fiber. They’re naturally gluten-free, and are rich in compounds called betalains, which help to provide antioxidants. A cup of beetroot contains about 75 calories and 15 grams of fiber.
You’ll want to check your beets after they’re cooked to make sure they’re fork-tender. If you find that they’re still tough, remove them from the pot. If they’re mushy, you might need to cook them longer.
Once your beets are done, cool them down before handling them. If you want to keep them for later, refrigerate them or freeze them. They will store well in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
You can serve steamed beets on their own or in salads, as a side dish, or as a garnish for soups or roasted meats. For a quick dinner, you can even blend the steamed beets into a delicious soup.
If you’re cooking beets for a crowd, you can use a large pot. Fill it about halfway with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Place the beets in the pot and cover the pot with a lid.
Roasting
Adding roasted beets to your meal is a great way to add a boost of flavor and nutrients. They can be tossed with butter or olive oil and served as a side dish, or incorporated into a salad. They can also be frozen to add a nutritious snack to your diet. They can be stored in the freezer, in an airtight container in the refrigerator, or in a freezer-safe storage bag for up to a week.
Before roasting beets, make sure they are clean and free of stains. If they are stained, rub them off with a paper towel. If you are planning on eating them, you should wear disposable gloves. This will help prevent your hands from turning red.
After cleaning, rinse the beets thoroughly. You can also use kitchen shears to trim off the stems and leaves.
To roast beets, start by preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the beets on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. Alternatively, you can wrap the beets in a foil pouch. Be careful not to dry them out before wrapping them.
When the beets are ready, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for 5-10 minutes before peeling them off. The beets should be easy to peel.
Seasoning options
Whether you like them sliced, shredded, or in a salad, beets can be a great addition to any meal. They are high in fiber and potassium, and also help to lower cholesterol levels.
If you’re looking for a tasty and healthy side dish, roasted beets are the way to go. Roasting adds lots of flavor, and it seals in all the nutrients. They are also low in calories and fat.
You can prepare a batch of roasted beets in your oven in about 30-40 minutes. Once they are cooked, you can store them in your fridge for several weeks. You can also freeze them for up to six months.
You can season roasted beets with many different spices. Adding citrus zest and fresh tarragon is another great option. You can also use other warm spices such as cinnamon and cloves.
A variety of colors can be used for a more exciting look. For example, light colored beets can be used in a salsa or hummus. You can also try charred beets.
Once you’ve prepared your roasted beets, you can store them in your refrigerator for a few days or a week. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to a month. You can also wash them and prepare them for a salad, a dip, or a snack.
When you’re ready to serve your roasted beets, you should sprinkle them with salt and pepper. You should then drizzle them with olive oil. If you want to keep the color of your beets intact, you can add a little vinegar. You can then garnish with chopped beet greens.