Cody Casey
Beets can be cooked in a crock pot, and it is a great way to prepare them with minimal effort. The slow cooker method is similar to roasting beets, but without any fuss or mess. It is also a good way to retain the nutrients in beets, which can be lost when boiling them. The process is simple: after a few minutes of preparation, the beets are placed in the slow cooker with a small amount of water and cooked for a few hours. The result is tender, juicy, and flavorful beets that can be used in a variety of dishes.
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What You'll Learn
Prepping the beets
Preparing beets for cooking in a crock pot is a simple process. First, wash the beets to remove any dirt and debris. You can use a paper towel or a damp cloth to scrub the beets gently. Then, trim the greens, stems, and root hairs from the beets. Some people also like to cut off the tops and bottoms of the beets or quarter large beets to ensure even cooking. However, it is important to note that cutting into the beets may cause them to bleed during the cooking process, so this step is optional.
Once the beets are cleaned and trimmed, you can place them directly into the crock pot. There is no need to peel the beets before cooking, as the skins will slide off easily after they are cooked. If you want to peel the beets after cooking, simply rub them with a paper towel or use your hands under running water when they are still warm.
It is recommended to use enough beets to fill your crock pot, which is usually around 3-5 pounds. You can also add a small amount of water to the crock pot, about 1-2 cups, to create steam and keep the beets moist during the cooking process. Some people also suggest adding a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour.
By following these simple steps, you will have perfectly prepped beets ready for cooking in your crock pot!
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Cooking time and temperature
Cooking beets in a crock pot is a great way to save time and effort. The cooking time will depend on the size of your beets and the temperature setting of your crock pot.
If you're using a large slow cooker, add 2 cups of water and a half teaspoon of salt for flavour. If you're using a smaller crock pot, simply add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pot. This will be enough to steam the beets.
For larger beets, cut them in half or quarters, ensuring the pieces are no thicker than 2 inches. Smaller beets can be cooked whole. If your crock pot has a high setting, cook the beets for 3 to 4 hours. If your crock pot only has one temperature setting, this will be equivalent to the "low and slow" method, which takes 7 to 8 hours.
If you're in a hurry, you can cook beets on high pressure for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on their size. Then, allow them to naturally release for 10 minutes. If you're using an Instant Pot, you can quick-release the pressure if needed.
Once cooked, the beet skins should peel off easily with your hands. You can do this under running water when they're still warm.
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Peeling the beets
Peeling beets can be a messy affair, and it is not necessary to peel them before cooking. In fact, it is recommended to leave the peel on while cooking beets in a crock pot. The peel comes off easily after they are cooked.
To peel the beets, first, let them cool down enough to be handled. You can then use a paper towel to rub off the skins. You can also use rubber gloves to rub the skins off, although some staining may occur. If you prefer, you can peel the beets under running water when they are still warm. The skins should come off easily, and you may just need to squeeze the beets to make them slide off.
Some people prefer to peel beets raw as they find it easier and less messy. If you wish to do this, you can use a swivel peeler to remove the skins before cooking.
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Storing the beets
Once cooked, you can store your beets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you wish to freeze them, it is recommended to slice or chop the beets into recipe-sized amounts and freeze them in ziplock bags. This way, they will last up to a year. You can also pickle beets by adding them to a pickling liquid and then water bath canning them for 18 months of storage or storing them in the fridge for up to a year.
If you are storing raw beets, it is best to keep them unwashed and unpeeled. Store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, such as a basement or root cellar. They can also be stored in the refrigerator, where they will last for several weeks. Beets are very hardy and can be stored in a cool pantry or even a refrigerator drawer for several weeks without spoiling.
If you are storing cooked beets, they will last in the refrigerator for about a week. You can also freeze them for later use.
Beets are a great vegetable to cook in a crockpot, as they turn out tender and flavorful. They can be served alone or as a side dish with other ingredients such as goat cheese, pumpkin seeds, and rosemary.
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Serving suggestions
Slow cooker beets can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some suggestions:
Salads
Beets are a great addition to salads. You can add them to a green salad, spinach salad, or a lunch bowl. They pair well with ingredients like goat cheese, raw almonds, and pumpkin seeds. For a simple dressing, you can drizzle your salad with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
Side Dish
Slow cooker beets can be served as a side dish for dinner. You can serve them warm with butter, salt, and pepper. For a tangy twist, sprinkle them with toasted walnuts and goat cheese.
Freezing
Slow cooker beets can be frozen and stored for later use. Cut the beets into slices or cubes and place them on a sheet pan. Freeze them for a few hours until they are frozen solid, then transfer them to ziplock bags. This way, you can take out smaller amounts whenever needed.
Pickling
You can also try pickling your slow cooker beets. Slice the beets and add them to a pickling liquid. This will allow you to store them for up to 18 months.
Other Recipes
Beets can be used in various recipes, such as beet and carrot veggie applesauce, roasted beet and cabbage slaw, or even chocolate beet cupcakes.
There are numerous ways to enjoy slow cooker beets, and they can easily be incorporated into your meals throughout the week.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook beets in a crock pot.
Cooking times vary depending on the size of the beets and the heat setting used. Generally, beets will take between 3 and 8 hours to cook on a high or low heat setting.
You should add just enough water to cover the bottom of the crock pot, about 1-2 cups.
No, it is not necessary to peel beets before cooking them in the crock pot. In fact, it is recommended that you leave the peel on during cooking to prevent the beets from bleeding and to make them easier to handle after cooking.
Beets cooked in a crock pot can be served alone or as a side dish. They can also be added to salads, lunch bowls, or dinners. For a tasty treat, try serving them with goat cheese and pumpkin seeds.
