Tiffany Haney
Cooking beets in a crock pot is an easy, no-fuss method that produces tasty results. It's a great way to cook beets without the hassle of boiling or roasting, and it fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. The slow cooker method is also versatile, allowing you to season and serve the beets in a variety of ways. So, if you're looking for a simple way to prepare beets that doesn't sacrifice flavor, read on to learn how to cook whole beets in a crock pot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep time | A few minutes |
| Cook time | 3-8 hours |
| Cook temperature | High or low |
| Cook time on high | 3-4 hours |
| Cook time on low | 7-8 hours |
| Ingredients | Beets, water, salt, olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, honey, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, pepper, dried dill, butter, goat cheese, pumpkin seeds |
| Instructions | Wash beets, trim tops and bottoms, cut large beets in half, add water, cook, peel, slice, add seasonings |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days |
| Calories | 180kcal |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping the beets
To prep your beets for cooking in a crock pot, start by washing them to remove any dirt. You can use a swivel peeler to remove the skins, but this is optional as the skins will be removed after cooking anyway. Some people prefer to peel their beets before cooking, but this is not necessary and can be messy and wasteful.
Next, trim the greens, roots, and tops and bottoms from the beets. Make sure not to cut into the beet itself, as this will cause it to bleed during cooking. You can discard the greens or use them in another recipe, such as a salad. If you have any large beets, cut them in half or into quarters so that all the pieces are of a similar size, no thicker than 2 inches.
Once your beets are trimmed and cut to size, you can place them directly into the crock pot. You can add a small amount of water to the pot, around 1 cup, to create some steam and keep the crock pot moist. However, be careful not to add too much water, as this can dilute the flavour of the beets.
At this point, you can also add any desired seasonings. For example, you could whisk together honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, rosemary, and sea salt, and pour this over the beets before cooking. Alternatively, you can coat the beets in olive oil and sprinkle with dill, pepper, thyme, and salt, and wrap them in foil before placing them in the crock pot.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for whole beets in a crock pot can vary depending on the size of the beets and the specific recipe you are following. However, here is a general guide:
For whole beets in a crock pot, it is generally recommended to cook them on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours. This longer cooking time on low heat allows the beets to become tender and fully cooked while retaining their moisture. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the beets, with smaller beets requiring less time and larger beets needing to be cut into halves or quarters to ensure even cooking.
Some recipes suggest adding a small amount of water to the crock pot, creating a steaming effect that cooks the beets more gently. This method can also help to prevent the beets from drying out or burning. The amount of water added can vary, with some recipes calling for just enough water to barely cover the bottom of the pot, while others suggest adding up to 2 cups of water.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the cooking time may be affected by the specific model and settings of your crock pot, as different crock pots can vary in terms of heating efficiency and temperature settings. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the beets during the cooking process and adjust the timing as needed.
Overall, cooking whole beets in a crock pot is a convenient and hands-off method that allows you to prepare tender and flavorful beets with minimal effort. By adjusting the temperature and timing based on the size of your beets and your crock pot's characteristics, you can ensure a delicious result every time.
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Removing the skin
It is not necessary to peel beets before cooking them in a crock pot. In fact, it is recommended to leave the skin on during cooking, as this will keep the beets moist and prevent them from bleeding out.
To remove the skin from beets after cooking, first, let the beets cool down enough to be handled. Then, use a paper towel to rub off the skins. You can also use rubber gloves to avoid staining. Avoid rinsing the beets under running water, as this may wash off some of the flavor.
If you prefer to peel your beets before cooking, you can do so by trimming the greens, roots, and stems, and then using a swivel peeler to remove the skin. However, this method can be messier and is not necessary for crock pot cooking.
Some recipes suggest wrapping beets in aluminum foil before placing them in the crock pot, which can help to prevent leaks and juices from caramelizing and burning. However, this is not required for crock pot cooking, and one of the benefits of using a crock pot is that no foil is needed.
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Storing cooked beets
Firstly, it is important to note that cooked beets should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If stored correctly, they will last for up to 10 days in the fridge.
If you want to store cooked beets for longer, you can freeze them. Freezing is a great option and can extend the shelf life of cooked beets to about one year. To freeze cooked beets, it is recommended to slice or chop them into recipe-sized portions and place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. This way, you can take out the amount you need without having to thaw a large quantity.
Another option for storing cooked beets is to pickle them. Pickling is a process of preserving food in an acidic brine, typically made from vinegar, water, salt, and spices. Pickled beets can be stored in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard for up to 18 months. Once opened, pickled beets should be refrigerated and will last for up to two to three months.
In summary, storing cooked beets is straightforward and offers various options, including refrigeration, freezing, and pickling. Each method has its benefits, and by choosing the one that suits your needs, you can enjoy this nutritious and versatile vegetable in a variety of dishes for an extended period.
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Serving suggestions
Slow-cooked beets are a versatile dish that can be served hot or cold and can be incorporated into a variety of meals. Here are some serving suggestions for your crockpot beets:
Side Dishes
Beets can be served as a simple side dish. Reheat them with butter and salt, or rub off the skins and serve them cold. They go well with whole chicken and barley, salmon and horseradish roast, or couscous and chicken.
Salads
Beets are a great addition to salads. You can grate them, slice them, or cut them into cubes. Try a beet and goat cheese salad, or add some roasted alliums to your salad, such as shallots and garlic.
Freezing
Slow-cooked beets can be frozen for future use. Slice or cube the beets and lay them out on a sheet pan. Cover and freeze for a few hours, then place them in ziplock bags or airtight containers. Frozen beets will last for up to 10-12 months.
Pickling
You can also try pickling your beets. This will give them a longer shelf life and a different flavor.
Other Dishes
Beets can be added to a variety of dishes, such as soups, cupcakes, and candied treats. They can be pureed and added to soup or used as a colorful and nutritious ingredient in many sweet or savory dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
First, wash the beets and trim the tops and bottoms. There is no need to peel them. If you have large beets, cut them in half or quarters, the pieces should be no thicker than 2 inches.
Depending on the size of your beets, you can cook them on high for 3-4 hours or low for 7-8 hours. You can test their doneness with a fork or sharp knife. Smaller beets will take less time to cook.
Let the beets cool down enough to be handled. Take a paper towel or rubber gloves and rub the skins off. You can also try squeezing the beets, as the skins should slide off.
