How To Cook Beets Quickly

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How To Cook Beets Quickly

Effortless Ways to Prepare Beets in a Flash

Are you craving the sweet, earthy flavors of beets but don’t have the time to spare for a lengthy cooking process? We’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we will share some effortless methods to cook beets quickly, allowing you to enjoy their deliciousness in no time. Whether you want to add them to salads, soups, or enjoy them as a side dish, these techniques will make cooking beets a breeze!

1. Steam It Like a Pro

If you’re looking for a fast and healthy way to cook beets, steaming is the way to go. Here’s how:

  1. Wash the beets thoroughly, removing any dirt or debris.
  2. Cut off the beet greens, leaving about an inch of the stems intact to prevent bleeding.
  3. Place a steamer basket in a pot filled with an inch of water. Make sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the basket.
  4. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
  5. Add the beets to the steamer basket and cover the pot. Let them steam for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender.
  6. Once cooked, remove the beets from the basket and let them cool. You can easily peel off the skin if desired.

2. Zap it in the Microwave

Short on time? Luckily, beets can be cooked quickly in the microwave. Follow these steps:

  1. Wash the beets thoroughly and trim off the greens, leaving an inch of stems intact.
  2. Place the beets in a microwave-safe dish. If you have large beets, you may want to cut them into smaller, uniformly sized pieces.
  3. Add a splash of water to the dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  4. Microwave the beets on high for about 5 minutes. Check for doneness by piercing them with a fork – they should be tender.
  5. If they aren’t cooked to your liking, continue microwaving in 2-minute increments until they reach the desired tenderness.
  6. Carefully remove the dish from the microwave (it will be hot!) and let the beets cool before peeling.

3. Speedy Oven Roasting

Oven-roasting beets can take some time, but you can speed up the process with this trick:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Wash and trim the beets, leaving an inch of stems intact. You can also peel them if desired.
  3. Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil.
  4. Place the wrapped beets directly on the oven rack and roast for about 40-45 minutes, or until tender.
  5. To check for doneness, gently squeeze the beets – they should yield slightly.
  6. Once cooked, remove the beets from the oven and let them cool before peeling off the skin.

With these quick and easy methods, you can enjoy delicious beets in no time at all. Whether you choose to steam, microwave, or oven-roast them, beets make a colorful and nutritious addition to any meal. So, what are you waiting for? Get your beets cooking and savor their vibrant flavors today!

Share your tips and tricks on how to cook beets quickly in the Cooking Techniques forum.
FAQ:
What are the different ways to cook beets quickly?
There are several ways to cook beets quickly. You can steam, roast, boil, microwave, or even use a pressure cooker to expedite the cooking process.
How long does it take to steam beets?
Steaming beets usually takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on their size and freshness. To expedite the process, make sure to cut the beets into smaller, evenly-sized pieces before steaming.
Can I roast beets for a quick cooking method?
Yes, roasting is another quick method to cook beets. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), wrap the beets in aluminum foil, and roast them for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
How long does it take to boil beets?
Boiling beets typically takes about 30-45 minutes. To speed up the cooking time, peel and dice the beets into smaller pieces before boiling.
Can I cook beets in a microwave?
Yes, you can cook beets in a microwave for a quicker result. Simply wash and trim the beets, place them in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water, cover the dish, and cook on high for about 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
Is using a pressure cooker a good option for quick beet preparation?
Absolutely! Using a pressure cooker can significantly reduce the cooking time for beets. After washing and peeling the beets, cut them into chunks, add a cup of water, and cook under pressure for 10-15 minutes.
Can I peel beets easily after cooking them quickly?
Yes, once beets are cooked quickly using any of the recommended methods, you can simply run them under cold water, and the skins should easily slide off when gently rubbed. However, if the skins are stubborn, use a paring knife to peel them for a smoother finish.

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