Beetroot can be cooked in many ways. Steaming it preserves all the nutrients and is quite simple. Boiling is also a very common method and is often used to prepare beets before they are incorporated into other recipes. Do not forget also the baking which enhances the sweetness. Whichever method you choose, you will always be able to prepare a delicious dish.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Steamed
Step 1. Prepare the steamer
Pour 2 inches of water into a saucepan and then place the basket.
Step 2. Bring the water to a boil
Heat the water while you prepare the beets. Gloves should be worn as the juice from these vegetables stains.
Step 3. Prepare the beets
Wash and scrub them. Use a sharp knife to remove the stem and roots. Remove the ends and then cut the vegetables into quarters.
To preserve the color, do not remove the peel. However, it will be easy to remove it once cooked
Step 4. Place the beets in the steamer basket
The water should boil. Close the pot with its lid to trap the steam.
Step 5. Cook for 15-30 minutes
If you have large vegetables, consider cutting them into quarters or even smaller pieces to ensure quick, even cooking. Try slices 1.3cm thick.
Step 6. Check the doneness
Remove the lid and pierce them with a fork or knife; they should be soft enough to allow the cutlery to go in and out without resistance. If you feel that they are still hard or the fork gets stuck, then let them cook for a few more minutes.
Step 7. Remove the pot from the heat
When the vegetables are tender, take them out of the steamer and wait for them to cool. Then rub them with kitchen paper to remove the peel.
Step 8. Season the vegetables (optional)
You can use steamed beets as an ingredient for another more complex recipe or enjoy them with a little extra virgin olive oil, vinegar and herbs.
They also turn into a tasty appetizer, when paired with strong cheese or cereals
Method 2 of 3: Boil
Step 1. Fill a saucepan with water and a little salt
This way the beets will be tastier. Bring the water to a boil over a high heat.
Step 2. Prepare the beets
Wash and scrub them to remove any dirt. Cut and discard the stem and roots, you can leave the vegetables whole or cut them into cubes, to reduce cooking times. If you decide to cook them whole, don't waste time peeling them.
If you prefer to cut them, take care to remove the peel before cutting them into cubes of 2.5 cm
Step 3. Put the vegetables in the water when it starts to boil
Make sure they are well submerged; if you have decided to cook them whole, you will have to wait between 45 and 60 minutes. If you have cut them into cubes, 15-20 minutes of cooking will be enough.
Leave the lid on the pot while they boil
Step 4. Check the doneness
Remove the lid and skewer the beets with a fork or knife, they should be tender enough to allow the cutlery to go in and out without resistance. If you feel that they are still hard or the fork gets stuck, then wait a few more minutes.
Step 5. Remove the pot from the heat
When the beets are tender, drain and wet them with cold running water. Rub them with kitchen paper to remove the peels.
Step 6. Season the vegetables
Add them to a more complex recipe or mash them and serve them in a puree with butter. Season them with salt and pepper.
Method 3 of 3: Roast
Step 1. Heat the oven while you prepare the beets
Turn on the oven to 180 ° C, in the meantime wash and scrub the vegetables. If you decide to leave them whole, remove only the stem and roots. If you decide to slice them, you will need to peel them first and then cut them into wedges.
If you plan to cook them whole, you should buy small ones, otherwise very long cooking times will be required
Step 2. Arrange the vegetables on a baking sheet and sprinkle them with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
Use about a tablespoon of oil and then move them to grease them evenly. Add salt and pepper. Seal everything with aluminum foil.
Step 3. Place the beets in the oven and cook for about 35 minutes
After this time, remove the aluminum foil and continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes.
Step 4. Check the vegetables
Prick them with a fork or knife, they must be so soft that there is no resistance to the cutlery. If you feel they are still hard or the fork gets stuck, let them cook for a few more minutes.
Step 5. Remove the vegetables from the oven and season to your taste
This technique allows to preserve the natural sweetness of the beets; try sprinkling them with a little balsamic vinegar and serve them with crispy bread.
Advice
- To make beetroot chips, slice them very finely. You will need to turn them halfway through cooking.
- Pies made from beets are soft and tasty.
- Grated additions to your salad, perhaps along with carrots, will add a splash of color and flavor.
- If you have a juicer, try to extract the juice from it. Add it to apple juice to create a sweet and nutritious drink.
