Beets are a jewel of the vegetable world—earthy, sweet, and packed with nutrients. But let’s be honest, they can seem a bit intimidating to prepare. Forget complicated roasting! Today, I’m sharing three incredibly simple, no-fuss methods to cook beets to tender perfection. Whether you want to boil, steam, or microwave, you’ll have beautifully cooked beets ready for salads, sides, or meal prep in under an hour. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
• MAKES: 4 servings
• TIME: About 45 minutes
• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds / 680 to 900 g beets (about 4 large or 8 medium)
• Salt, to taste
• Water, for cooking
• Ice water, for an ice bath
Instructions
1. **Prepare the Beets:** Scrub the beets thoroughly under cool running water. Trim the leafy tops, but leave about 1 inch of the stem attached. This helps prevent the beets from ‘bleeding’ their gorgeous color during cooking.
2. **Cook Using Your Preferred Method
3. To Boil:** Place beets in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them by at least an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let simmer for 30 to 45 minutes.
4. To Steam:** Pour an inch or two of salted water into a large pot and place a steamer basket inside. Arrange the beets in the basket, cover the pot, and bring the water to a steady boil. Steam for 30 to 45 minutes, adding more hot water if the pot runs dry.
5. To Microwave:** Place the beets in a microwave-safe dish with about 2 tablespoons of salted water. Cover with a vented lid. Microwave on high for 6 minutes. Carefully shake the container, then continue to microwave in 2-minute intervals until tender.
6. **Check for Doneness:** The beets are perfectly cooked when a thin-bladed knife or a skewer can be inserted into the center with little resistance.
7. **Cool and Peel:** Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked beets directly into a bowl of ice water. Let them cool for 5-10 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, the skins should slide off easily using your fingers or a paper towel.
8. **Serve or Store:** Your beets are now ready! Slice, dice, or wedge them for use in your favorite recipe, like our Vibrant Beet & Feta Salad. To store, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information
• Per serving (approx. 1 cup sliced beets)
• Calories: 59
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 3.8 g
• Sugar: 9 g
• Protein: 2.2 g
• Potassium: 442 mg
Pro Tips
• Try to use beets that are similar in size to ensure they all cook in the same amount of time. If your beets vary in size, simply remove the smaller ones from the pot once they are tender.
• Don’t toss the tops! If your beets come with fresh greens, they are delicious and edible. Sauté them with garlic and olive oil for a quick, nutritious side dish.
• To avoid stained hands and cutting boards, wear food-safe gloves while peeling the beets. A plastic cutting board is also easier to clean than a wooden one.
• This simple cooking method works wonderfully for other root vegetables. Try it with turnips, rutabagas, parsnips, or daikon radish for an easy side dish.
FAQ
Q: How can I store cooked beets for my weekly vegetarian meal prep
A: Cooked beets are perfect for meal prep. Once cooled and peeled, place them whole or sliced in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, ready to be added to salads, grain bowls, or enjoyed as a quick side.
Q: What vegetarian protein sources pair well with cooked beets
A: Beets’ earthy sweetness pairs wonderfully with many vegetarian proteins. For a classic combination, toss them with feta or goat cheese. For vegan options, try them with toasted walnuts, chickpeas, lentils, or crumbled firm tofu in a salad or bowl.
Q: Are beet greens edible and how do I use them in a vegetarian dish
A: Absolutely! Don’t discard the beet greens; they are highly nutritious and taste similar to chard. Wash them thoroughly and sauté them with garlic and olive oil for a simple, nutrient-packed side dish. You can also add them to soups or blend them into smoothies.
Q: Is this beet recipe suitable for a vegan diet
A: Yes, this recipe for cooking beets is entirely vegan. The ingredients are simply beets, water, and salt. They are a perfect base for countless vegan meals, from salads to roasted vegetable medleys.
