Steaming Beets: A Simple Guide To Deliciousness

Steaming beets is a great way to cook this nutritious root vegetable. Beets are packed with vitamins and minerals and are low in calories, making them a healthy addition to any diet. Steaming is a simple and efficient method that preserves the vibrant colour and flavour of beets, while also minimising nutrient loss. This guide will teach you how to steam beets to perfection, so you can enjoy their sweet and earthy taste in a variety of dishes.

How to steam whole beets

Steaming beets is a great way to cook them while preserving their vibrant colour and minimising nutrient loss. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam whole beets:

Preparing the Beets:

• Start by trimming the tops off the beets, leaving about 1/2 to 2 inches of the stem. This helps reduce colour leakage during cooking.
• Wash and scrub the beets gently to remove any dirt from the surface, then dry them thoroughly.
• You can choose to peel the beets before steaming, although it is not necessary. Peeling them beforehand may make it easier to remove the skin after cooking.

Steaming the Beets:

• Use a steamer basket or insert that fits inside a large pot. Ensure that the water level remains just below the steamer basket. This allows the steam to circulate under and around the beets as they cook.
• Add the prepared beets to the steamer basket, making sure they are arranged in a single layer or a loose pile. This ensures that the steam reaches all surfaces of the beets.
• Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and place it on the stove. Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a boil.
• Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Steam the beets until they are fork-tender. This should take around 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of the beets.
• To check if the beets are done, pierce them with a sharp knife. They are ready when they can be easily pierced to their centre.
• Always keep the pot covered while steaming and periodically check the water level to ensure it doesn't run dry.

After Steaming:

• When the beets are fork-tender, carefully remove them from the pot and let them cool before handling.
• Once they are cool enough to handle but still warm, plunge them into cold water and gently peel away the skin. The skins should slip off easily at this point.
• Rinse the beets with cold water and they are now ready to be served or stored.

Tips:

• Use small to medium beets of uniform size for steaming. Baby beets are great and can be steamed along with their greens.
• If you want to include the beet greens, wash them thoroughly and add them to the steamer for the last 4 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, cook the greens separately.
• Beets can be served simply with a little butter and lemon juice as a side dish, or used in salads, soups, or as a complement to roasted meats.
• Steamed beets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

How to steam beets in slices, wedges, or cubes

Steaming beets is a great way to preserve their vibrant colour and minimise nutrient loss. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam beets in slices, wedges, or cubes:

Step 1: Prepare the Beets

Remove the beet greens, leaving about 1 inch of the stem intact. This helps prevent colour leakage during cooking. Use a vegetable scrubber to gently wash and scrub the dirt from the surface of the beets. You can also peel the beets at this stage if desired, although it is not necessary.

Step 2: Steam the Beets

Fill a large pot with water, ensuring that the water level remains just below the steamer basket. Add the prepared beets to the pot and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to high. Bring the water to a rolling boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 3: Cook Until Tender

Allow the beets to steam until they are fork-tender. This should take around 30 minutes for small and medium beets, and up to 40 minutes for larger beets. You'll know they're done when you can easily pierce them to the centre with a knife or skewer. Be careful not to overcook, as this can lead to nutrient loss and a softer texture.

Step 4: Cool and Peel

Once the beets are tender, remove them from the pot and allow them to cool. When they are cool enough to handle, use your hands or a paper towel to rub or peel away the skins. The skins should slip off easily. Give the beets a final rinse, and they're ready to be enjoyed!

Storage

Steamed beets can be stored in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 6 months.

How to prepare beets for cooking

Preparing beets for cooking is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. Here's a guide to help you get started:

First, if your beets still have their leafy greens attached, remove them by chopping them off, leaving about 1/4 to 2 inches of the stem intact. This helps reduce colour leakage when cooking. You can set the greens aside to cook later or discard them.

Next, give your beets a good scrub with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt. Beets tend to have a rough exterior, so make sure to clean them thoroughly.

At this point, you have the option to trim the root end of the beets, but it's not necessary. If you're going to steam the beets with the skins on, you can leave the root end as it is.

Now your beets are ready for steaming! If you want to steam them with the skins on, simply place them in a steamer basket and follow the steaming instructions. The skins will come off easily after they're cooked. However, be warned that this method might give you purple fingers!

If you prefer to steam your beets without the skins, go ahead and peel them before placing them in the steamer basket.

When it comes to steaming, it's important to use small to medium beets of uniform size. This ensures even cooking. Baby beets are great for steaming, and you can include their greens in the steamer for added flavour.

Arrange the beets in a single layer in the steamer basket to allow the steam to circulate around them effectively. Add about 2 inches of water to the steamer and bring it to a boil. Cover the pot and maintain a rolling boil until the beets are tender. This should take around 30 minutes for small to medium beets and 40 minutes for large beets.

To check if your beets are done, pierce them with a knife or skewer. If it goes through to the centre easily, they're ready! Remove the beets from the heat and let them cool.

Once they're cool enough to handle, simply slip off the skins if you haven't peeled them already. Cut the beets into your desired shape, such as rounds, wedges, or half-moons.

And that's it! Your beets are now prepared and ready for cooking or serving. You can finish them with a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

How to season steamed beets

Steaming beets is a great way to prepare this nutritious and colourful root vegetable. Once steamed, beets can be seasoned in a variety of ways to enhance their natural sweetness and earthiness. Here are some ideas on how to season steamed beets:

Olive Oil, Vinegar, and Salt

A simple yet effective way to season steamed beets is to finish them with a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of vinegar, and a pinch of kosher salt. This combination provides a balanced flavour that can be served as-is or used as a base for further seasoning.

Fresh Herbs

For an extra touch of flavour, toss the seasoned beets with some fresh herbs such as parsley, mint, or dill. These herbs complement the natural taste of beets without overwhelming their delicate flavour.

Lemon Juice or Balsamic Vinegar

A squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar can add a bright acidity to the beets, enhancing their sweetness. This is a great way to brighten up the flavour of beets and make them even more delicious.

Spices and Herbs

Beets pair well with a variety of spices and herbs. Try seasoning them with salt and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness, or get creative with spices like cumin, coriander, or paprika for an extra kick.

Tahini Sauce

For a more complex and pungent flavour, steamed beets can be paired with a tahini sauce. This sauce is made by pureeing garlic cloves with salt and whisking in sesame tahini and lemon juice. The result is a thick and creamy sauce that complements the earthy flavour of beets.

Salads and Dips

Steamed beets are a versatile ingredient that can be added to salads, dips, and spreads. They add a pop of colour and a natural sweetness to these dishes. Try tossing them into a salad with arugula and walnuts or blending them into a beet hummus for a unique and tasty dip.

Remember, when working with beets, be cautious of staining. Beets can stain anything they touch, from cutting boards to clothes and skin. It's a good idea to lay down parchment paper before peeling and cutting beets, or wear kitchen gloves to avoid purple fingers!

How to cook beet greens

Beet greens are edible and highly nutritious, similar to spinach or Swiss chard. They can be cooked in a few different ways, each of which is simple and quick.

Firstly, wash the greens thoroughly to remove any dirt. If you're using beet greens that were still attached to the beets, chop them off, leaving about 1 inch of the green intact. Then, cut the greens into smaller pieces.

To steam the beet greens, you can add them to the steamer for the last 4 minutes of cooking time when steaming beets, or you can cook them separately. Place the greens in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 2 minutes, using tongs to flip them over halfway through. Then, rinse them with cold water, squeeze out the excess water, and chop them coarsely.

Alternatively, you can sauté the beet greens in a skillet with olive oil and seasonings over medium heat until they are wilted, which only takes a few minutes. This is a healthy and tasty side dish.

You can also add beet greens to soups, stews, or stir-fries, or include them in a salad.

Frequently asked questions