Steam Cooking Beets: A Healthy, Tasty Option

Beets are a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including steaming. Steaming is a simple and healthy way to prepare beets, as it preserves more of their vibrant colour and minimises nutrient loss by reducing direct contact with water. The process involves heating water in a closed vessel until it becomes superheated vapour, which then cooks the beets. The high temperature and pressure easily cook the beets using minimal water, and they are done when tender and the skin easily releases from the peel. Steaming beets can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on their size and the method used. This cooking method fills the kitchen with a strong earthy-sweet aroma and results in beets that can be used in various dishes, such as salads, soups, or as a simple side.

How to steam beets

Steaming beets is a great way to cook them, and it's super easy! Here's how to do it:

First, scrub the beets clean and trim off any beet greens and roots. You can leave the skin on, as it will be easier to peel once the beets are cooked. If you want, you can score each end of the beet with an "X" to help the peel come off later.

Next, add water to a saucepan or pot and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket in the pot, making sure the water doesn't touch the basket. Put the beets in the steamer basket, cover the pot, and steam for about 30 minutes or until tender. The cooking time will depend on the size of your beets, so adjust accordingly.

Once the beets are done, remove them from the steamer and let them cool. When they're cool enough to handle, use your hands or a paper towel to gently rub or peel off the skins. Be careful, as the beet juice will stain your hands and any surfaces it touches!

Now, your beets are ready to be enjoyed! You can serve them as-is with a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of vinegar, and some salt and pepper. Or, get creative and add them to salads, dips, sandwiches, or even burgers. Enjoy!

Some additional tips:

• If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a colander or wire trivet to prop up the beets above the boiling water.
• You can also steam-roast beets by placing them in a baking dish with water and cooking them in the oven at 350°F for about an hour.
• Beets are loaded with nutrients and offer many health benefits, including reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and boosting the immune system.

How to roast beets

Roasting beets is a great way to intensify their natural sweetness through caramelisation, concentrating their sugars and enhancing their flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast beets:

Step 1: Prepare the Beets

First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Then, prep the beets by slicing off the lush tops, which you can use to make a sautéed beet greens recipe. Scrub the beets well to remove any dirt and debris. You can choose to peel the beets before roasting, but it is easier to peel them after roasting as the skins will just slip off.

Step 2: Season the Beets

Place each beet on a piece of foil and drizzle generously with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like herbs, spices, or vinegar to infuse more flavour. Wrap the beets in the foil, place them on a baking sheet, and put them in the oven.

Step 3: Roast the Beets

Roast the beets for 35 to 60 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. The timing will depend on the size and freshness of your beets. Small beets may cook in as little as 35 minutes, while large beets may take an hour or longer.

Step 4: Cool and Peel the Beets

Once the beets are done roasting, remove them from the oven and set them aside to cool. When they are cool enough to touch, use your hands to slip off the skins. You can do this under running water for easy cleanup.

Step 5: Serve the Beets

Cut or slice the beets and drizzle them with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, and serve. You can also dress them up with various garnishes, such as vinegar, a splash of lemon or orange juice, chopped fresh herbs, toasted nuts, or crumbled feta or goat cheese.

How to boil beets

Boiling beets is a simple and quick way to cook them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the beets

First, trim the greens from the beets, leaving about half an inch of the stem attached. This will reduce the amount of colour that leaches out when the beets are boiled. Then, trim most of the root end off and scrub the beets well with a vegetable brush.

Step 2: Boil the beets

Place the beets in a large pan and cover them with an inch or two of water, making sure they are completely submerged. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for around 30 minutes, or until the beets are tender. The cooking time will depend on the size of your beets.

Step 3: Cool the beets

Drain the beets and let them cool slightly, so that you can handle them. If you want to cool them quickly to add to a salad, you can place them in a bowl of ice water for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Remove the skin

Use a paper towel or your fingers to rub off the skin. It should slip off easily. You may want to do this under running water to avoid staining. If there are any areas of skin that are being stubborn, use a small paring knife to help remove them. Rinse the beets to remove any remaining shreds of skin.

Step 5: Serve or store

You can serve the beets right away, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to a year.

How to microwave beets

Firstly, if possible, buy several smaller beets instead of one large beet. Then, trim the stems and leaves, but don't throw them away as they can be used in other recipes. Place the beets on a sheet of microwave-safe parchment paper and pierce them several times with a sharp paring knife. This allows steam to escape while they cook. Wrap the beets in the parchment paper to prevent them from drying out in the microwave.

Next, microwave on high for 5 to 6 minutes per medium-sized beet or 10 to 12 minutes per pound of beets. Place a paper towel or a dish underneath the wrapped beets in the microwave to catch their juices. When cooked, the beets should feel slightly squishy to the touch but still a bit firm.

Remove the beets from the microwave and let them cool for several minutes before unwrapping them. Finally, gently rub off the skins with a paper towel or peel them with a paring knife. Cut the beets as desired and enjoy!

How to air-fry beets

Air-frying beets is a fool-proof way to make beets, with the added benefit of less mess than traditional methods. The air fryer provides an even cooking temperature, making it a great way to cook vegetables and get them crispy.

Ingredients:

• Beets
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Optional Ingredients:

• Allspice
• Cumin
• Ground cinnamon
• Paprika
• Caraway seeds

Method:

• Start by washing the beets and cutting the green stems off the top.
• Cut the ends off the beets, then slice them into 1-inch pieces.
• Place the sliced beets into a bowl and add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
• Toss the beets so they are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning.
• Set the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F.
• Place the beets in the air fryer tray or basket in a single layer.
• Air-fry the beets for 6 minutes, flipping them over after 3 minutes.
• Plate and serve.

Tips:

• Beets are naturally very sweet, so simple seasoning with salt and pepper will bring out their natural flavour.
• If you want to add extra flavour, you can season with allspice, cumin, ground cinnamon, black pepper, paprika, or caraway seeds.
• You can also serve with garlic aioli, feta cheese, or crumbled goat cheese.
• If you are using canned beets, make sure to drain them before adding the olive oil and seasonings.
• You can store roasted beets in the fridge for a week or so.
• To store for longer, wrap the beet tightly in parchment paper and place it in an airtight container.
• To reheat, you can use the microwave or the air fryer.

Other Ways to Cook Beets:

• Steam beets for around 30 minutes.
• Boil beets for around 30 minutes.
• Roast beets in the oven for 45 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Wrap beets tightly in aluminium foil and roast in the oven for around an hour at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frequently asked questions