Beets are a highly nutritious root vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked. If you want to cook beets, the stovetop method is a simple and effective way to do it. This method doesn’t require any special equipment, just a pot, water, and a few beets. In this article, we’ll show you how to master the stovetop method and cook beets to perfection.
Why Should You Cook Beets using Stovetop Method
Beets are a delicious and healthy root vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you’re sautéing, roasting, or pickling them, beets are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. However, if you’re looking to get the most out of your beets, cooking them on the stovetop is the best method for achieving delicious and evenly cooked beets every time.
Even Cooking
One of the main reasons why cooking beets on the stovetop is the best method is because it allows for even cooking. When you cook beets in the oven or on the grill, the heat can be inconsistent, causing some parts of the beet to cook faster than others. This can result in overcooked or undercooked beets, and a less than ideal texture. When you cook beets on the stovetop, however, the heat is distributed evenly, allowing the beets to cook uniformly. This ensures that each bite of beet is tender and juicy, with a consistent texture throughout.
Saves Time
Cooking beets on the stovetop is also a great way to save time. Unlike roasting or grilling, which can take upwards of 45 minutes to an hour, cooking beets on the stovetop can be done in as little as 20 minutes. This is because the stovetop method allows the beets to cook in boiling water, which speeds up the cooking process. This means that you can have delicious and healthy beets on the table in no time, making them a great option for busy weeknights.
Retains Flavor
Cooking beets on the stovetop also helps to retain their flavor. When you cook beets in the oven or on the grill, they can lose some of their natural sweetness, and can even become a bit bitter. This is because the high heat can cause the natural sugars in the beets to caramelize, which can change their flavor profile. Cooking beets on the stovetop, however, allows them to cook in their own juices, which helps to preserve their flavor. This means that you can enjoy the delicious, earthy sweetness of beets without any added bitterness.
Preparing Beets for Stovetop Cooking
Beets are a nutritious and versatile root vegetable. They can be roasted, boiled, or steamed, but one of the simplest and most popular ways to prepare beets is cooking them on the stovetop. Here’s how to choose the right beets, clean them correctly, and prepare them for cooking:
Choosing the Right Beets
The first step in cooking beets on the stovetop is to choose the right ones. Look for beets that are firm, smooth, and have no soft spots or blemishes. They should also be a deep, rich color, indicating they are ripe and packed with flavor. If you’re buying beets with the greens still attached, make sure the leaves are fresh and brightly colored, not wilted or yellowing. Choose beets that are roughly the same size for even cooking.
Cleaning Beets
Before cooking, it’s important to clean beets thoroughly. Rinse them gently under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris and use a scrub brush to remove any stubborn soil. Don’t peel the beets before you cook them – doing so will cause them to lose valuable nutrients and flavor. Instead, trim off any stems or leaves and leave the skin on during cooking to retain the beets’ nutritional value.
Preparing Beets for Cooking
Once you’ve cleaned your beets, you can prepare them for cooking. Cut off the tops and bottoms of the beets and slice them into uniformly sized pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly and at the same rate. If you prefer, you can also leave the beets whole, especially if they are small or medium-sized. Just be sure to prick the beets a few times with a fork to help them cook all the way through.
By following these simple steps, you can prepare beets for stovetop cooking that are flavorful, nutritious, and easy to prepare!
Boiling Beets
Beets are a root vegetable that can be served in a variety of ways, whether it’s roasted, blended into a dip, or sliced and pickled. However, if you want to keep it simple and cook your beets stovetop, boiling is the perfect method to get started. Follow these tips for boiling beets using the stovetop method:
Preparing Your Beets
Start by scrubbing your beets, and then remove the stems and leaves. Once the beets are clean, you can choose to either peel your beets or leave the skin on. If you decide to peel your beets, use a vegetable peeler and remove the tough outer skin; otherwise, you can simply scrub off any dirt and blemishes.
Cooking Your Beets
Next, place your beets in a pot and add enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the beets simmer. Depending on the size of your beets, it can take anywhere from 20-45 minutes to cook thoroughly. To check if your beets are cooked, insert a fork into the center of the largest beet – if it goes in easily, your beets are cooked.
Peeling Your Beets
After your beets have cooked fully, remove them from the pot and let them cool down enough to handle. Once they are cool, the skin will be easy to remove – simply use your hands to rub the skin off the beet. If you prefer a more polished look, you can always use a peeler to remove any remaining skin.
Sautéed Beets
Learning how to cook beets using stovetop method is a wonderful skill to have because you get to enjoy the earthy and sweet flavors of this root veggie in so many ways. One of the easiest dishes you can make with beets is sautéed beets. Simply follow these steps to make this dish:
Choose the right Pan
For sautéing beets, it’s essential to use a wide and shallow pan, such as a stainless steel or cast iron skillet. This type of pan will help to cook the beets evenly and allow moisture to escape, so they don’t end up steaming in their juices.
Prepare the Beets
Firstly, wash and peel the beets, then cut them into thin matchstick pieces or small cubes. This will help to cook the beets faster in the pan and improve their texture.
Cook the Beets
Next, heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add about two tablespoons of oil or butter. Once the oil or butter melts and becomes hot, add the diced beets to the skillet and stir well. Cook the beets for about 5-10 minutes or until they become tender. You can test their tenderness by piercing them with a fork. If they’re soft, they’re ready to eat.
The Best Seasonings to Use
Seasoning sautéed beets is easy and you can use whatever you like, such as:
- Garlic and thyme
- Maple syrup and balsamic vinegar
- Ginger and soy sauce
Pro Tip: Beets are notorious for staining, so use a cutting board and utensils you don’t mind getting a little colored. Wearing gloves can help to prevent stained hands as well.
Pickled Beets
If you’re looking for a way to add some tanginess to your beets, then pickling them is a great option. Here, we’ll show you how to use the stovetop method for pickling beets.
Preparing Your Brine
The first step in pickling beets is preparing the brine. This mixture will act as a preserving agent for the vegetables and will determine their taste. For a basic brine, you will need:
- Vinegar (white or apple cider)
- Water
- Sugar or honey
- Salt
- Peppercorns (optional)
- Bay leaves (optional)
Combine the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Once the sugar and salt have dissolved, remove the brine from heat and let it cool.
Cooking Your Beets
After your brine has cooled down, it’s time to cook your beets. Start by washing them, cutting off the stems, and peeling them. Place them in a pot and cover them with water. Bring this to a boil and let them simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until they become tender. Once they’re done cooking, drain them under cold water and let them cool to room temperature.
Pickling Your Beets
Now that your beets are cooled, it’s time to pickle them. Cut them up into slices or chunks and place them in a clean jar. Pour the brine over the beets, making sure they are completely covered. You can add in some garlic cloves and dill to enhance the flavor, but this is optional. Seal the jar tightly and store it in the fridge.
Storing Your Pickled Beets
Your pickled beets will be ready to eat after a few hours of marination in the fridge, but they can last for a few weeks if you store them properly. Keep the jar sealed tightly and refrigerated. If you want to keep them for longer, consider processing them in a water bath.
Eating Cooked Beets
Beets are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be cooked in various ways. Once you master cooking them on the stovetop, you can add them to different recipes to elevate their taste and health benefits. Here are some creative ways to eat cooked beets:
Add them to Salads
One of the most common ways to use cooked beets is by adding them to salads. You can slice them thinly and mix them with spinach, arugula, or other green leaves. Add some crumbled feta cheese, chopped nuts, and drizzle some balsamic vinaigrette dressing. You can also mix them with other vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and sweet potatoes to create a colorful salad bowl.
Blend them in Smoothies
If you’re a smoothie lover, adding cooked beets to your drink can provide a boost of vitamins and minerals. Beets pair well with berries, bananas, and citrus fruits. You can also add some almond milk, honey, and ice to make it creamier and sweeter. Adjust the amount of beets depending on your preference and taste.
Make Beet Chips
A fun and creative way to eat cooked beets is by making chips out of them. Simply slice the beets thinly and arrange them on a baking sheet. Drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle some salt, pepper, and thyme. Bake them in the oven until they’re crispy. You can serve them as a snack or a side dish.
Use them as a Burger Patty
If you’re a vegetarian or looking for a healthier alternative to beef, using cooked beets as a burger patty is a great option. Mix some mashed beets with quinoa, breadcrumbs, eggs, and herbs. Form them into patties and grill them on a pan. Top them with your favorite sauces, veggies, and cheese.
Make Beet Hummus
If you’re tired of the regular hummus flavors, try making beet hummus by adding cooked beets to chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Blend them in a food processor until they’re creamy and smooth. Serve them with pita chips, crackers, or veggies.
Roast them with Goat Cheese
For a fancy and delicious appetizer or side dish, roast cooked beets with goat cheese and walnuts. Simply slice the beets and arrange them on a baking dish with some crumbled goat cheese and chopped walnuts. Roast them in the oven until the cheese is melted and browned. Serve them hot with some honey and balsamic glaze.
Thanks for Reading!
We hope this article has helped you master the stovetop method for cooking beets. Remember to be patient and keep checking their tenderness as they cook. You can use this versatile vegetable in a variety of dishes, from salads to dips. Experiment with different seasonings and see what flavors you like best. Don’t forget to visit our site for more cooking tips and recipes!
Mastering the Stovetop Method: How to Cook Beets
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and scrub the beets under running water to remove dirt and debris. Trim the tops and tails.
- Place the beets in a large pot with 2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 45 minutes or until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the beets and run them under cold water until cool enough to handle. The skins should easily slide off the beets. Cut the beets into cubes or slices.
- Sprinkle the beets with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
