Learning how to cook beets properly, from roasting to steaming, will make anyone a fan.
Beets (or beetroots) come in lovely shades of ruby red, sunset gold and even candy-striped.
They’re pretty on a plate and super nutritious, but not everyone finds the taste appealing.
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Beets are delicious roasted, grilled, microwaved, steamed, boiled or air-fried.
The key is to experiment with various cooking techniques to find one that gives you the desired flavor.
Here, we’ll show you how to cook beets and recipe ideas everyone will love.
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Properly stored beets will last longer and have better flavor.
Cut off beet greens, leaving at least 1 inch of stem attached.
(We share how to cook beet greens below.)
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
After the beets are washed, prepare them according to your recipe.
you could also wear latex gloves to protect your skin.
Use cooked beets in salads, to make hummus or to blend into smoothies.
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Their thick and chewy texture is even great in a galette or quesadilla.
How to Roast Whole Beets
Roasted beets are intensely sweet, with subtle mineral flavors.
Dry cleaned beets with a towel to remove excess moisture.
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Slice off the taproot.
In a medium bowl, combine two to three medium beets with olive oil, salt and pepper.
Wrap the beets in foil and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet.
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Roast at 400F until fork-tender.
Remove the beets from the oven and let cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
Trim off stems and peel off the skin.
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Dry cleaned beets with a towel to remove excess moisture.
Trim the remaining stems and remove the taproot.
Cut the beets into wedges or quarters.
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.
Place the beet wedges in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet.
Roast at 400F until fork-tender, 20 to 30 minutes.
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Remove the beets from the oven and let cool for five to 10 minutes.
Peel off the skin.
How to Grill Beet Slices
If you like roasted beets, youll love them grilled.
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Beets put directly on a grill grate sear and caramelize for a slightly smoky-sweet flavor.
You wont get the same effect if you put them in foiltheyll be more like steamed beets.
Grilled beets are a perfect substitute for any recipe calling for roasted beets.
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Prepare a grill for medium-low heat (about 325F).
Meanwhile, clean and dry 3 to 4 medium beets with a towel to remove excess moisture.
Peel and cut each beet across the width into 1/4-inch-thick slices, revealing the beets showy concentric circles.
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Place slices in a medium bowl with a little olive oil.
When the grill is ready, place the beets on the grate and lightly salt them.
Remove the beets from the grill when fork-tender.
Serve hot or at room temperature.
Small to medium beets are ideal for this beet-cooking method.
Large beets may turn rubbery on the outside before the inside is tender enough to eat.
Place cleaned beets in a microwave-safe dish.
Add enough water to cover the bottom of the dish.
Cover with plastic wrap.
Microwave on high until fork-tender, 12 to 15 minutes, turning once.
Let stand for five minutes.
Remove the taproot, trim the stems and remove the skin.
Plus, steaming small beets or beet quarters is quick and easy for weeknights.
Remove the remaining stem and taproot from the cleaned beets.
Cut each beet into 1/2- to 1-inch cubes or wedges.
Bring a small amount of water to a rolling boil in a large stockpot.
Place a steamer basket in the pot so its bottom rests above the water level.
Remove the beets from the basket and let cool for five to 10 minutes.
How to Boil Beets
Boiling produces tender beets with a less intense flavor.
It also pulls a great deal of color from the root vegetables into the hot water.
Trim off the remaining stem and taproot from the cleaned beets.
Place the beets in a large saucepan and cover with water.
Immediately move the cooked beets into ice-cold water and peel off the skins.
How to Air-Fry Beets
1.
Preheat air fryer to 400F for five minutes.
Transfer to a serving plate; repeat with remaining beets, if needed.
They can be delicious as part of a main dish or as a side dish, too.
Treat beet greens the way you would collard greens, kale or chard.
They taste similar, too, with earthy, slightly bitter flavors.
Beet greens can be eaten raw, but they may benefit from a quick saute with garlic and butter.
Braising can also make them meltingly tender.
After removing the beet greens from the bulbs, wash each leaf and pat dry.
Slice the leaves and stems, separating the two as you cut.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil and saute minced garlic.
Add the stems and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the leaves and 2 tablespoons chicken (or vegetable) broth.
Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Season with salt and pepper.
Can You Eat Raw Beets?
Yes, raw beets and beet greens are used in a variety of ways.
Raw beet greens can be thinly sliced and used in a salad.
Raw beets can be tough, so they must be sliced or grated ultra-thin to be crispy and edible.
They’re great in slaws, salads and relishes.
Raw beets can also be spiralized.
A spiralizer twists the beet into long, thin strands, which are chewy and crisp.
Beet noodles can be served raw or tossed in a bit of creamy dressing or light vinaigrette.
Beets are a great source of antioxidants, too.
They have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce damage to muscles and organs.
They may also help protect your blood vessels from damage and reduce blood pressure.
How to Choose Beets at the Store
Beets range from radish-size bites to fist-size bulbs.
For most preparations, small to medium beets are appropriate.
If the beet greens are still attached, look for vibrant, fresh leaves, not wilted.
Plant beets in the spring, just after the ground thaws.
Plant seeds 1 inch deep about every 4 inches.
Keep them in the sun and water consistently.
