Beet Cooking 101: From Raw to Delicious

Let's talk beets! They're one of those things you either love or hate, right? For me, they've always been a favourite, but I know a lot of people find them a bit...well, earthy. But trust me, beets are incredibly versatile. You can eat them raw, roasted, pickled, juiced, and even used in desserts! I've been experimenting with beets for years, and I've picked up a few tricks along the way. So, let's dive in! I'm going to share everything I know about cooking and enjoying beets, from the very basics to some more creative ideas.

(Part 1) Beet Basics: From Picking to Prep

First things first, you need to pick your beets. This is where it gets fun (or at least, a bit more exciting than your average supermarket trip). Beets come in a whole rainbow of colours – red, golden, white, even striped! Each colour brings its own unique flavour. Red beets, the most common type, have a strong, earthy flavour. golden beets, on the other hand, have a sweeter, more delicate taste. White beets, well, they're a bit more rare, but they're known for their mild flavour and creamy texture. Personally, I tend to go for red beets because I love the vibrant colour they bring to a dish. But feel free to experiment – that's half the fun!

Choosing Your Beets

When choosing beets, look for firm, smooth ones without any blemishes. Avoid any that feel soft or squishy, as these might be past their prime. The leaves should be bright green and fresh. Don't worry too much about the size – smaller beets tend to be sweeter, but larger ones are great for roasting. And remember, if you see a bunch of beets with the greens still attached, grab them! Those greens are delicious too, so don't throw them away!

Prepping Your Beets

Alright, now you've got your beets, time to get prepping. The first thing you need to do is trim the leafy tops. The leaves are actually quite delicious – you can use them in salads, or even make a delicious beet leaf pesto. But if you're not feeling adventurous, feel free to compost them. Next, scrub the beets with a brush to remove any dirt. No need to peel them at this stage, they can be peeled later. Just make sure you wash your hands thoroughly afterwards – beet juice can stain!

(Part 2) Cooking Beets: From Raw to Roasted

Now, there are many ways to cook beets, but let's start with the most common ones – roasting and boiling. These methods are simple and bring out the natural sweetness of the beet.

Roasting Beets: A Delicious Way to Go

I absolutely love roasting beets. It brings out their natural sweetness and makes them super tender. It's so simple, too! Just preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F), wrap the beets in foil, and roast them for 45 minutes to an hour. You can check for doneness by piercing them with a fork. If it goes in easily, you're good to go! Roasting beets in foil is the easiest method, but you can also roast them directly on a baking sheet if you prefer. Just make sure to drizzle them with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper.

For a bit more flavour, you can roast your beets with some herbs and spices. I love adding a sprinkle of rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also drizzle some olive oil over the beets before wrapping them up. And don't forget about the leafy greens! You can roast them alongside the beets – they’ll add a lovely earthy flavour to the dish.

Boiling Beets: A Classic Method

Boiling beets is another classic method, and it's great for a quick side dish. Just bring a pot of water to a boil, add the beets, and simmer for 30-45 minutes. Check for doneness with a fork, just like with roasting. Once cooked, drain the water and let the beets cool. A little trick to retain the colour of the beets – add a splash of vinegar to the boiling water. But don't overdo it, or it will make the beets taste a bit sour.

(Part 3) Beyond Roasting and Boiling: Exploring Other Cooking Methods

Okay, so we've covered the basics. But hold on, there's so much more to explore when it comes to cooking beets! Let's delve into some less traditional but equally delicious methods.

Pickling Beets: A Tart and Tangy Treat

Pickling beets is a great way to add a unique flavour to your dishes. It's also a great way to preserve beets for later use. There are many different pickling recipes out there, but my favourite involves soaking the beets in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices. pickled beets have a beautiful, tart, and tangy flavour that makes them perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a side dish. They're also great for adding a splash of colour to your charcuterie board.

Here’s a simple pickling recipe you can try at home:

After prepping the beets, boil them for about 30 minutes. While they're boiling, prepare your brine by mixing the vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it simmer for a few minutes. Once the beets are cooked, cool them down slightly and add them to the brine. Let them sit in the fridge for at least 24 hours to allow the flavours to meld. You can also add other flavourings to your brine, like dill, garlic, or even a bay leaf.

Juicing Beets: A Healthy and Refreshing Option

For those who prefer a healthy and refreshing drink, juicing beets is a great option. I love adding beet juice to my smoothies for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals. Beet juice is also packed with antioxidants and can help lower blood pressure. You can also enjoy it on its own. Just be aware that beet juice can stain your teeth, so brush your teeth afterwards!

Here's a simple beet juice recipe you can try:

• 1 cup cooked beets
• 1/2 cup apple juice
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated

Simply combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. For a sweeter juice, add a little bit of honey or agave syrup to taste.

(Part 4) beet salads: A Fresh and Vibrant Twist

Beets are a great addition to salads! They add a pop of colour and a bit of sweetness to balance out the other ingredients. There are many different beet salad recipes out there, but here's a simple one that I like to make:

• roasted beets
• Feta cheese
• Arugula
• Walnuts
• A vinaigrette dressing

Just toss all the ingredients together and you've got a delicious and healthy salad. You can also experiment with other ingredients, like goat cheese, oranges, or pomegranate seeds. For a more robust salad, try adding some quinoa or chickpeas. And don't forget about the beet greens! They make a great addition to any salad, adding a slightly bitter and earthy flavour that balances out the sweetness of the beets.

(Part 5) beet burgers: A Hearty and Savoury Option

Let's get a bit more creative here. Beet burgers are a fantastic vegetarian option, and they're packed with flavour. I usually make my beet burgers from scratch, but you can also find them pre-made at some supermarkets. Here's how to make a simple beet burger:

• Roasted beets
• Oatmeal
• Onion
• Garlic
• Breadcrumbs
• Spices (e.g., cumin, paprika)

Simply mash the roasted beets with the other ingredients and form them into patties. Cook the patties on a grill or in a pan until they're cooked through. Serve them on buns with your favourite toppings, like lettuce, tomato, and cheese. The possibilities are endless! For a more flavorful burger, try adding a dollop of beet hummus or some roasted red peppers. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like cheddar, mozzarella, or even goat cheese.

(Part 6) Beet Dip: A Delicious and Colourful Snack

Beet dip is another fun and easy way to use beets. It's perfect for snacking, dipping vegetables, or even spreading on sandwiches. Here's a simple recipe for beet dip:

• Roasted beets
• Cream cheese
• Greek yogurt
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper

Just blend all the ingredients together until smooth. You can add a bit of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat. Serve it with chips, crackers, or vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Beet dip is a great way to use up leftover roasted beets, and it's sure to impress your guests. For a more vibrant colour, add a pinch of beetroot powder to the dip.

(Part 7) Beet Desserts: A Surprisingly Sweet Treat

Now, this might sound strange, but beets can actually be used in desserts! The earthy flavour of the beet complements the sweetness of the other ingredients surprisingly well. Here are a few ideas for incorporating beets into your desserts:

Beet Brownies: A Delicious Surprise

Beet brownies are a favourite of mine! The beets add a subtle sweetness and a moistness to the brownie. You can't even taste the beet in them! Just try it and see. You can find countless recipes online, but the basic idea is to blend cooked beets into your brownie batter. For a more intense beet flavour, use a bit of beet powder instead of pureed beets.

Beet Chocolate Cake: A Stunning and Tasty Creation

Beet chocolate cake is another delicious and unexpected treat. The beets add a rich and velvety texture to the cake, and they pair perfectly with the chocolate flavour. You can even use beet juice to create a beautiful red frosting for the cake. It's truly a stunning and tasty creation! For a more decadent cake, try adding a layer of chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings.

(Part 8) Beet Tips and Tricks: A Little Bit of Wisdom

Alright, you've got the basics down, now for a few little tricks of the trade. These are things I've learned along the way that will make your beet adventures even better.

Storing Beets: Keep Them Fresh

Beets can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Keep them in a plastic bag or container to prevent them from drying out. You can also store the leafy tops separately. If you want to store beets for longer, you can freeze them. Just roast or boil the beets first, then cool them down and freeze them in an airtight container. Frozen beets can be used in smoothies, soups, and stews.

Staining Beets: Avoid the Pink Hands

One thing to watch out for with beets is that they can stain your hands, cutting board, and even your clothes. If you're concerned about staining, you can wear gloves while handling them. You can also soak the beets in cold water for a few minutes to remove any excess colour. And a handy tip, I always keep a small container of lemon juice handy. It's great for getting rid of beet stains on my hands and cutting board!

The Power of Lemon Juice: A Bright and Colourful Trick

Here's a little trick I learned from a seasoned chef. Adding a little lemon juice to your beets can help preserve their vibrant colour. This is particularly helpful when you're boiling or roasting beets, as the heat can sometimes make them lose their colour. Just add a squeeze of lemon juice to the boiling water or drizzle some over the beets before roasting. The acidity of the lemon juice will help to keep the beets bright and beautiful.

(Part 9) Beet FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Alright, let's address some common questions about beets. I've been asked these quite a few times, and I'm happy to share my insights.

1. Are beets good for you?

Absolutely! Beets are packed with nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They're also a good source of fiber and nitrates, which have been linked to improved heart health and blood flow. Beets are also a good source of folate, potassium, and vitamin C.

2. What do beets taste like?

Beets have a unique earthy flavour that can be a bit sweet, but also slightly bitter. The flavour can vary depending on the variety of beet and how it's cooked. Some people describe the taste as similar to dirt, but I find it to be more like a sweet earthiness. It's a flavour that grows on you! The sweetness of the beets is enhanced by roasting or baking, while boiling can sometimes make them taste more earthy.

3. How can I make beets less earthy?

You can reduce the earthy taste of beets by cooking them with acidic ingredients, like lemon juice or vinegar. Adding sweetness can also help to balance out the earthy flavour. Try adding a bit of honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar to your beet dishes. Adding a touch of spice can also help to mask the earthy flavour. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to your beet recipes. You can also try using a combination of different beet varieties, such as golden beets and red beets, to create a more complex and nuanced flavour.

4. Can I eat beet leaves?

Yes, beet leaves are edible! They have a slightly bitter and earthy flavour, similar to spinach. You can add them to salads, soups, or stir-fries. They're also great for making a delicious beet leaf pesto. Just make sure to remove the tough stems before cooking them. You can also add the leaves to smoothies or juicing them for a healthy and delicious drink.

5. What are some other ways to use beets?

The possibilities are endless! You can use beets in pasta sauces, risottos, smoothies, and even dips. Get creative and experiment with different flavours and textures. You might be surprised at how versatile beets really are! You can also use beet juice to add a natural colour to your food. For example, you can use it to dye cake batter, frosting, or yogurt.

And there you have it! Beets are a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. So, go out there, try some different recipes, and discover the wonderful world of beets. I'm certain you'll be amazed by what you can create!