Description
This simple guide shows you how to boil beets perfectly every time. Boiling beets yields tender, flavorful roots that can be used in salads, hummus, or as a delicious side dish. The process involves washing, boiling, peeling, and enjoying the natural sweetness of beets without any fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 to 8 medium-sized beets
- Salt (1 teaspoon per 4 beets)
- Water (enough to cover beets in pot)
Instructions
- Prepare Beets: Wash and scrub the beets thoroughly to remove all dirt and debris. Trim and remove the leaves, leaving 1 to 2 inches of the stem attached to prevent bleeding of color during boiling.
- Bring Water to Boil: Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the beets. Add 1 teaspoon of salt for every 4 beets being boiled. Bring the salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Boil Beets: Carefully add the beets into the boiling water. Boil smaller beets for about 20 minutes and larger beets for up to 40 minutes. The beets are done when a fork or knife can easily pierce through the root. Drain the beets in a colander or remove them with a slotted spoon.
- Peel Skin: Rinse the cooked beets under cool running water to loosen and remove the skin. You can rub the skin off with your hands, use a paper towel to scrub it away, or carefully peel with a knife to avoid staining your hands.
- Serve or Use: Use the boiled beets in your favorite recipes such as hummus, salads, or as a standalone side dish.
Notes
- Do not overcook beets to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Leave about an inch of stem on the beets before boiling to help retain color and nutrients.
- The cooking time varies depending on the size of the beets; test doneness with a fork.
- Wear gloves or use a paper towel when peeling to avoid staining your hands with beet juice.
- Boiled beets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Universal
Keywords: boiled beets, how to boil beets, beet recipe, side dish, healthy cooking, gluten free
