How to Quickly Boil Beets: 4 Different Methods 0 88

Beets are a treasure trove of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that make them a valuable food for our health. Their rich red color is due to the presence of betaine, which, in addition to coloring, has anti-inflammatory properties and helps improve liver function.

The Fastest Ways to Cook Beets

Boil them in a pot, bake them in the oven, or use a slow cooker? Try different options and choose your favorite.

First, be sure to rinse the beets under cold water: remove dirt and remnants of soil. Do not peel them; instead, boil them "in their skins": this way, more nutrients will remain inside, and the color will stay just as bright.

Choose root vegetables that are approximately the same size so they cook evenly. If they are too large, you can cut them into 2 or 4 pieces.

The fastest and easiest cooking method is in the microwave. Boiling in a pot of water will take about 1 hour. If you are not in a hurry, use the oven or slow cooker. The advantages are clear — you don’t need to monitor the process, just set the timer.

By the way

Cool the cooked vegetables at room temperature so they peel better. After that, remove the thin skin with a knife — it will come off easily. How to Quickly Boil Beets in the Microwave

Rinse the beets and trim the ends. Place them in a plastic bag, poke several holes with a knife to let the steam escape, and put them in the microwave. Set to maximum power and cook for 15 minutes. Remove the bag, carefully cut it open, and check that the vegetables are soft enough.

How to Properly Boil Beets in a Pot of Water

There is no need to peel or trim the beets; otherwise, all the juice will escape into the water. The main thing is to wash the root vegetables thoroughly. Choose a pot of suitable size. Place the vegetables in it and cover them with water so that they are completely submerged. Add salt and cook on low heat for 45–60 minutes.

How to Cook Fresh Beets Whole in a Slow Cooker for Salad

A slow cooker is a wonderful gadget that is great for boiling beets. This method is convenient because you don’t need to check their readiness. Place the root vegetables in the slow cooker bowl, completely cover them with water, and select one of the modes — "Stew" or "Steam". Set the timer for 60 minutes.

How to Cook Beets in Their Skins in the Oven So They Don’t Lose Color

Wrap the washed beets in foil. Place them on a baking sheet and put them in a preheated oven at 180 °C. Cook for 40–50 minutes, until soft.

A Note for the Hostess

How to check for readiness? Pierce the root vegetables in the middle with a knife or fork. If they go in easily, it’s time to remove and cool them. If not, continue cooking for another 10–15 minutes.