Accustomed to seeing it garnishing salads on set menus, beets are a vegetable that deserves a stronger presence in the kitchen beyond canned and ready-to-eat products. It’s also a product from which everything can be used, with stems and leaves that resemble chard, and a bulbous, intensely colored root that adds color and flavor to many dishes.
Often associated with fad diets and linked to the sugar industry and livestock feed, table beets, when properly prepared, can be enjoyed in both savory and sweet recipes. We can take advantage of that touch of color that complements vegetables like chard, spinach, broccoli, or celery.
Beetroot has many beneficial properties, whether eaten raw or blended into a smoothie. Its color, flavor, texture, and earthy aftertaste make it a small but highly prized delicacy.
Table of Contents
How to Cook Beets for 4 People?
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beet | 1 bunch |
| Salt | To taste |
Recipe steps
- Although it’s common to buy pre-cooked beets, this recipe shows how easy it is to cook raw beets at home. It’s an economical product that can be used for many recipes like salads, carpaccios, gazpacho, salmorejo, rice dishes, hummus, and creams.
Table beets usually come in bunches of 2 or 3 and are partially cleaned. - First, cut off both ends of each beet. Then wash them well in cold water to remove dirt, as they will be cooked with the skin on.
- Place a saucepan over high heat with enough water to cover the beets. Once it boils:
- Add salt and the beets
- Cut large beets in half if needed
- Keep sizes similar for even cooking
- Small beets: 40 minutes
- Large beets: 60 minutes
- Remove the beets and let them cool slightly. Once lukewarm, peel them and they are ready to use.
They can be used in salads, carpaccios, rice dishes, risottos, hummus, gazpacho, salmorejo, and soups.
Video Guide 🎀
Nutrition Facts Per serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 36 |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Calories from Fat | 4.9% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8.4 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1.1 g |
| Sodium | 61 mg |
| Calcium | 15 mg |
| Iron | 0.6 mg |
| Vitamin C | 4 mg |
| Beta-carotene | 21 mcg |
| Vitamin E | 0.1 mg |
FAQs
1. Can I cook beets without peeling them first?
Yes, it’s best to cook beets with the skin on. This helps retain their color, flavor, and nutrients. The skin can be easily removed after cooking.
2. How do I know when beets are fully cooked?
Insert a knife into the beet. If it goes in and out easily, the beets are perfectly cooked.
3. Can I store cooked beets?
Yes, cooked beets can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–5 days in an airtight container.
4. Are raw beets safe to eat?
Yes, raw beets are completely safe and can be used in salads or smoothies.
5. What dishes can I make with cooked beets?
You can prepare salads, soups, hummus, rice dishes, risottos, and cold dishes like gazpacho or salmorejo.
Conclusion
Beets are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can easily move beyond simple garnishes. When cooked properly, they offer rich color, earthy flavor, and great texture that enhance many dishes. With minimal effort, you can prepare them at home and use them in a wide variety of healthy and delicious recipes.
