Explore Simple Techniques for Cooking Beets and Get Inspired with Tasty Recipes Like Beet Carpaccio, Roasted Beet Salad, and More!
Beets: A Vibrant and Nutritious Addition to Your Kitchen
Beets are a colorful, nutrient-rich root vegetable that deserve a spot in every kitchen. With their earthy sweetness and versatility, they can transform any meal, from a simple side dish to a stunning salad centerpiece. Whether you're new to cooking beets or looking for fresh ideas, I’ll walk you through various cooking methods and share some delicious recipes that make the most of this vibrant veggie.
Why Beets Should Be in Your Diet
Beets are more than just their good looks—they're packed with essential nutrients that make them a healthy choice for any meal. Here’s what makes beets so beneficial:
High in Folate: Beets are an excellent source of folate, which is crucial for cell growth and repair. This makes them especially important during pregnancy.
Supports Heart Health: Thanks to their natural nitrates, beets can help relax and widen blood vessels, which can lead to better circulation and lower blood pressure.
Energy Booster: Drinking beet juice or adding beets to your diet can enhance stamina and endurance, making it a favorite among athletes.
Digestive Support: Beets are loaded with fiber, helping to keep your digestive system running smoothly while keeping you feeling fuller longer.
How to Cook Beets: Simple Techniques for Every Taste
Beets can be cooked in various ways, each bringing out a different side of their flavor and texture. Here are my favorite methods:
1. Roasting Beets
Roasting beets brings out their natural sweetness and adds a rich, caramelized flavor. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), scrub the beets clean, wrap them in foil, and bake for 45-60 minutes until tender. Once they cool, you can easily peel off the skins. These roasted beauties are perfect for salads or grain bowls.
2. Boiling Beets
If you prefer a softer texture, boiling is a great option. Place cleaned beets in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Let them simmer for 30-45 minutes, depending on their size. Boiled beets are wonderful for making purees, soups, or as a vibrant side dish.
3. Steaming Beets
Steaming is a fantastic way to preserve the nutrients while keeping the beets tender. Place them in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for about 30 minutes. Steamed beets can be sliced and tossed into salads or served simply with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs.
4. Pickling Beets
If you love a tangy twist, try pickling your beets. Start by boiling or roasting them, then slice and soak them in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let them sit in the fridge for at least a day to develop flavor. Pickled beets are a perfect addition to salads or cheese boards.
5. Enjoying Beets Raw
Don’t overlook raw beets! They add a crunchy texture to dishes when thinly sliced or grated. Try adding raw beet ribbons to a salad or coleslaw for an extra layer of flavor and nutrients.
My Favorite Beet Recipes: Healthy and Delicious
If you’re ready to experiment with beets, here are some of my recipes that make this root vegetable shine:
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad:
Ingredients: 3 roasted beets, 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese, 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, arugula, olive oil, balsamic vinegar.
Instructions: Slice the roasted beets and layer them over a bed of arugula. Add crumbled goat cheese and chopped walnuts. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple yet elegant salad.
Vibrant Beet Hummus
Ingredients: 1 large steamed beet, 1 can of chickpeas, 2 garlic cloves, 1/4 cup tahini, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt.
Instructions: Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Adjust the salt to your taste. This beet hummus makes for a stunning and nutrient-packed dip, perfect with pita bread or fresh veggies.
Beet and Berry Smoothie
Ingredients: 1 raw beet (peeled and chopped), 1 cup frozen berries, 1 banana, 1 cup almond milk, 1 tbsp honey.
Instructions: Blend everything until smooth. This smoothie is packed with antioxidants and makes a great breakfast or post-workout boost.
Roasted Beet and Quinoa Power Bowl
Ingredients: 3 roasted beets, 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1 avocado, 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds, mixed greens, olive oil, lemon juice.
Instructions: Slice the roasted beets and avocado, then arrange them over a bed of quinoa and greens. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. It’s a nutritious and filling bowl that’s perfect for lunch.
Here is one of my favorite beet recipes that I often served as a starter in my restaurant in France:
Beet Carpaccio marinated in homemade Ginger Syrup
Ingredients: 3 large raw beets, 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, 2-inch piece of fresh ginger (sliced). This will serve 4 starters.
Instructions: Slice the raw beets thinly using a mandolin. In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and ginger slices, bringing it to a boil until the sugar is complete dissoved. Let it cool and pour over the beet slices and toss. Marinate them overnight in the refrigerator. To serve: arrange the beet slices on a plate, slightly overlapping each other. Add a small handful of arugula, then drizzle with olive oil. Top with roasted pecans or pine nuts and a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese.
This method helps tone down the earthy flavor, making it perfect for those who aren’t big beet fans—and it’s absolutely delicious!
Beets: A Delicious and Nutritious Addition to Your Table
Beets are a wonderful way to add both flavor and nutrients to your diet. From roasted and sweet to tangy pickled varieties, there’s no limit to what you can create with them. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and can elevate even the simplest of meals. I hope these recipes inspire you to get creative with beets and enjoy their delicious benefits.