Tired of boring, boiled beets? It’s time to let this humble root vegetable shine! We’re transforming earthy, sweet beets into a show-stopping side dish with a vibrant, zesty glaze of orange, honey, and a hint of warm ginger. The result is a jewel-toned masterpiece that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is delicious. This simple recipe will make you fall in love with beets all over again!
Ingredients
• 6 medium fresh beets, about 1.5 lbs / 680g
• 1 teaspoon / 5g grated orange zest
• 2 tablespoons / 30ml fresh orange juice
• 2 teaspoons / 10g unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon / 7g honey
• ¼ teaspoon / 0.5g ground ginger
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Place the whole, unpeeled beets in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them by at least an inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 40-50 minutes, or until a knife can be easily inserted into the center. Drain the beets and set aside until cool enough to handle. The skins should slip off easily with your fingers or a paper towel.
2. While the beets cool, prepare the glaze. In a large saucepan or skillet, combine the orange zest, orange juice, unsalted butter, honey, and ground ginger over low heat. Stir gently until the butter has completely melted and the glaze is fragrant.
3. Slice the peeled beets into ¼-inch / 6mm rounds or wedges. Add the sliced beets to the saucepan with the glaze and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the beets to warm through and absorb the flavors.
4. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Nutritional Highlights
• Rich in essential nutrients like folate, manganese, and potassium.
• A good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.
• Packed with antioxidants and nitrates, known to support heart health.
• Naturally low in fat and calories.
Pro Tips
• Beets will stain! Wear gloves when peeling and use a plastic or glass cutting board for easier cleanup.
• For a deeper, more concentrated flavor, try roasting the beets instead of boiling them. Wrap them in foil and bake at 400°F / 200°C for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
• To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Save time by using pre-cooked, vacuum-packed beets. Simply slice them and proceed with step 2 of the .
FAQ
Q: How can I make this glazed beet recipe vegan
A: To make this recipe completely plant-based, simply substitute the unsalted butter with a vegan butter alternative and replace the honey with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar. The result is just as delicious and vibrant.
Q: What vegetarian main dishes pair well with these glazed beets
A: These sweet and zesty beets are a fantastic companion to many vegetarian mains. For a balanced meal, serve them alongside a hearty lentil loaf, pan-seared tofu or tempeh, a quinoa salad with chickpeas, or a creamy risotto.
Q: Can I make these orange glazed beets ahead of time
A: Yes, this is a great make-ahead side dish. You can store the cooked and glazed beets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave before serving.
Q: Is it better to roast or boil the beets for this recipe
A: Both methods work well, but they yield slightly different results. Boiling is quick and straightforward. Roasting, as mentioned in the pro tips, takes a bit longer but concentrates the beets’ natural sweetness, resulting in a deeper, more intense flavor that complements the glaze beautifully.
