If the memory of slimy, gelatinous beets on your childhood dinner plate make you cringe, give them another chance. Beets are a hearty root vegetable with a rich and savory flavor -- and they're much more delicious cooked fresh, not canned. Add boiled beets to salads or as a nutritious side dish. Beets are simple to boil, but they can turn your skin and counter top bright red if you don't take precautions. Talk to your doctor before eating beets if you have food allergies.
Step 1
Rinse the beets with water, then cut the greens, on the top of the beet, and the roots, on the bottom of the beet, off with a knife. Do not peel off the skin.
Step 2
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 tbsp. lemon juice or vinegar. The lemon juice or vinegar will keep the beet from bleeding when you cut into it after cooking.
Step 3
Place the whole beets into the boiling water. Reduce the heat to low and put the lid on the pot, allowing the beets to simmer for 40 minutes to an hour.
Step 4
Pierce the beets with a fork. If they are tender all the way to the center, the beets are done. Pour the hot water and beets into a colander, then run cold water over them until they are cool to the touch.
Step 5
Peel the rough skin on the outside of the beet away carefully with your fingers. When the beets have been cooked properly, the skin should fall away when you press on it. Slice the beets and add them to a salad or a serving dish.
Tips and Warnings
- Choose whole, fresh beets at the grocery store with the tops on. If you're cooking more than one beet, choose ones that are a similar size, so they will boil evenly. The smaller the beets are, the faster they will cook. If you're short on time or the beets are very large, cut the beets into halves or quarters to make them cook faster. If desired, cook beet greens in a small amount of olive oil in a frying pan until they wilt and serve alongside the boiled beets. Add goat cheese and walnuts to warm, sliced beets for a quick and delicious salad.
Things You'll Need
- Knife
- Large pot
- 2 tbsp. lemon juice or vinegar
- Fork
- Colander
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