Cooked Beets

Servings: 8 Difficulty: Intermediate
Tender, earthy beets boiled until fork-tender for a vibrant side dish or salad base.
Cooked Beets recipe image

Cooked Beets

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 8 Calories: 97.6

Description

These cooked beets offer a deep, earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with simple seasonings or rich dressings. Boiling is the most reliable method to achieve tender flesh while preserving the vibrant crimson color. The process is straightforward: scrub the beets, boil them whole to keep nutrients in, and let them cool before easily slipping off the skins. This versatile preparation works perfectly as a standalone side dish, chopped into grain bowls, or sliced thinly for elegant salads. The natural sugars caramelize slightly during cooking, enhancing the flavor profile. Ideal for potlucks, holiday tables, or a quick healthy dinner side, these beets are a staple that delivers consistent results every time.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Scrub the beets thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt; do not peel yet.
  2. Trim the beet greens, leaving about one inch of stem attached to prevent bleeding.
  3. Place the whole beets in a large saucepan and cover with water by about an inch.
  4. Add the salt to the water if desired.
  5. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes.
  7. Test for doneness by piercing a beet with a fork; it should slide in easily.
  8. Drain the hot water and rinse the beets under cold water until cool enough to handle.
  9. Gently rub the skins off with your hands or a paper towel; they should slip off easily.
  10. Slice, dice, or serve the beets whole as desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8


Amount Per Serving
Calories 97.6kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.5g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 3819.7mg160%
Total Carbohydrate 21.8g8%
Dietary Fiber 6.4g26%
Sugars 15.4g
Protein 3.6g8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: beets, boiled, root-vegetable, side-dish, vegan, gluten-free, healthy, earthy, salad-ingredient, simple, easy, classic, vegetarian, low-fat, dinner-side, potluck
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