Simple instructions on how to boil beets. Boiling beets is probably the easiest way to prepare garden fresh beets. If you can boil water, you can cook a beet.
Beets come in a variety of colors including reds, striped and golden in hue. Baby beets are just a beet that has been harvested before it has grown to its full size. They are more tender compared to their full-size counterparts and are perfect for roasting whole for salads or pickling whole for a cheese and charcuterie board.
The fresher, the better when it comes to selecting beets. The best beets will have stems and leaves that have few blemishes and are not wilted. The beet will be smooth on the surface and firm, with no give when pressed. Choose a beet without cracks or bruises. Did you know that you can make beet juice from fresh beets?
How To Boil Beets:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. There should be enough water to cover the beets.
- While the water is coming to a boil, trim off the root off the bottom of the beet as well as the stem and leaves. Save the leaves to sautee, if you wish. Wash the beets if they are especially dirty.
- Once the water comes to a boil, add the beets to the pot and boil for 30 to 40 minutes. The larger the beets, the longer it will take to cook them.
- Insert a sharp knife into the beet and if it easily slides to the center of the beet, it is cooked.
- Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the beets from the water.
- Transfer to a clean plate and allow them to cool for 15 minutes or until comfortable to handle.
- Remove the skin from the beets by pinching the skin loose from the beet.
- Finally, cut the cooled beets to your preferred sizes.
- Store sliced beets in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Beet peeling tips
- Peel the beets with your fingertips while the beets are still warm. Once they cool all the way down, it is next to impossible to peel.
- To avoid getting beet stains on your hands, wear food-safe gloves.
- To clean the cutting boards of beet stains, use a combination of lemon juice and salt, rubbing in a circular motion.
Ways to use boiled beets:
- pickled beets
- beet juice
- sliced on a salad with goat cheese
- Added to hummus to give bright color and another layer of flavor.
Boiling Beets
Ingredients
- 5 large beets
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. There should be enough water to cover the beets.
- While the water is coming to a boil, trim off the root off the bottom of the beet as well as the stem and leaves. Save the leaves to sautee, if you wish. Wash the beets if they are especially dirty.
- Once the water comes to a boil, add the beets to the pot and boil for 30 to 40 minutes. The larger the beets, the longer it will take to cook them.
- Insert a sharp knife into the beet and if it easily slides to the center of the beet, it is cooked.
- Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the beets from the water.
- Transfer to a clean plate and allow them to cool for 15 minutes or until comfortable to handle.
- Remove the skin from the beets by pinching the skin loose from the beet.
- Finally, cut the cooled beets to your preferred sizes.
- Store sliced beets in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
Sarah Mock
CEO/Owner/Founder/Culinary Blogger
Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 12 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.
Jessica B. says
I love reading your site.
Farmer 34 says
Amazing. I appreciate your tips. Thanks so much Sara
Mary Bonius says
This is a great blog. Thanks for the tips on boiling beats. My garden is doing great this year and this will be helpful.
Anonymous says
I noticed one of your pages have a 404 error.
Sarah Mock says
ooh! That happens from time to time. Let me know which one and I will be sure to fix it.