Introduction
Beets are a tasty, nutritious vegetable that can be boiled and added to a multitude of dishes. If you’re wondering how to boil beets to achieve the perfect texture and flavor, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll cover the classic boiled beets recipe, how to add more flavor to your beets, how to boil beets for canning or preserving, how to cook beets to make them easier to peel, different types of beets and their flavor, how to keep beet color from fading, and various meal ideas. So put on your chef’s hat and let’s get started!
Classic Boiled Beets Recipe
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to boil beets:
- 2-3 medium-sized beets
- Water
- Salt (optional)
Follow these steps to cook your beets:
- Wash your beets thoroughly with cold water.
- Trim off the beet greens, leaving a small portion of the stems to prevent bleeding.
- Fill a pot with enough water to comfortably submerge your beets.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Add salt, if desired.
- Add your beets to the pot and cover with a lid.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, depending on how big your beets are.
- Test the doneness of the beets with a fork. If the fork can easily pierce the beet, then they’re done. If not, continue simmering for a few more minutes then test again.
- Once your beets are done, remove them from the pot and transfer them to a bowl of cold water to cool.
- Once the beets are cool enough to handle, chop off the stems and roots, then peel them by pressing your thumbs against the skin and sliding it off. The skin should come off easily.
- Slice or chop your beets to your preferred size and serve.
Tip: Beets should be cooked until they are tender, but not overly mushy. This ensures that they maintain their nutrients and flavor.
Adding Flavor to Boiled Beets
Boiled beets can be somewhat bland on their own. Luckily, there are a few herbs and spices that can be added to enhance their flavor. Here are some suggestions:
- Thyme
- Garlic
- Ginger
Here are some specific flavor combinations to try:
- Feta cheese and balsamic vinegar
- Goat cheese and honey
- Orange juice and zest
Boiling Beets for Canning or Preserving
Boiled beets are a good option for canning or preserving because they keep their flavor and texture. Here’s how to boil beets for preserving:
- Add 1 tsp of salt and 1 cup of vinegar per quart of water.
- Boil the beets for 30-35 minutes or until tender.
- Remove the beets from the pot and immediately transfer them to a bowl of cold water to cool.
- Peel off the skin.
- Place the beets in a jar and fill it with hot pickling liquid (usually a vinegar-based brine that includes salt, sugar, and spices).
- Cover the jar tightly and process it in a water bath canning pot for the recommended time.
Tip: If you’re planning on canning or preserving beets, make sure to properly sterilize your jars and lids before adding the beets and pickling liquid.
Cooking Beets to Make Them Easier to Peel
Some people prefer to boil beets until they are tender enough to easily remove the skin. Here are some tips for achieving this:
- Add a few tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice to the boiling water. This helps the beets retain their color and makes the skin easier to remove.
- Boil the beets for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
- Transfer the beets to a bowl of cold water, and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
- Peel the skin off the beets using your fingers or a vegetable peeler.
Different Types of Beets and Their Flavor
There are several types of beets available, including red, golden, and chioggia. Each type has a different flavor when boiled:
- Red beets have a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. They are the most commonly used beet for boiling.
- Golden beets have a milder, sweeter flavor than red beets. They also have a slightly buttery taste.
- Chioggia beets have a slightly sweet and tender flesh. They have a distinctive pink and white ring pattern when sliced.
Start with your preferred type of beet or mix and match for a colorful and flavorful dish that’s pleasing to the eye and palate.
Keeping Beet Color from Fading
Beets can lose their vibrant color when boiled. Here are some suggestions for retaining their bright hue:
- Boil the beets with the skins on.
- Add vinegar or lemon juice to the boiling water.
- Avoid overcooking the beets, as this can cause them to lose color.
Incorporating Boiled Beets into Meals
Boiled beets can be served on their own as a side dish or added to salads, purees, or other dishes for a pop of color and flavor. Here are some meal ideas and recipes:
- Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad: Toss your boiled beets with arugula, goat cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette for a delicious and healthy salad.
- Beet Hummus: Add boiled beets to your favorite hummus recipe for a colorful and flavorful twist.
- Beet and Sweet Potato Puree: Boil beets and sweet potatoes together, then puree with a little garlic, salt, and butter for a delicious and nutritious side dish.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to boil beets, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re canning, meal prepping, or just looking to add more veggies to your diet, boiled beets are a versatile and nutritious option. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and meal ideas. Happy cooking!
Tip: Don’t throw away the beet greens! They are edible and can be sautéed, roasted, or added to salads.
