April 26, 2010

simple beets

David and I love beets. You should too. And if you don't it's probably because a) you're unsure of how to cook them, b) you've never had them fresh or c) because your mom force-fed them to you as a child and you are still scarred.
Beets are actually very simple to cook but they take a long time (unless you have a pressure cooker, which I don't). This is so simple that you're going to wonder why I even bothered to post about it. I'm doing this because I think there are a lot of people out there how pass over fresh beets in the produce section because they don't know how to cook them. You don't need to be intimidated anymore! Give them a shot. They're sweet and refreshing. Here's what you need:

2 - 4 large beets
Kosher salt and pepper
Olive oil (optional)
Red wine vinegar

Cut tops of beets and scrub well. Place in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and let cook over medium heat until fork tender (the cooking time depends on the size of the beets but I would say typically 45 minutes). Don't take them out until they are plenty done and, if necessary, you may need to add more water to the pot.

After fully cooked, drain the beets and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Once somewhat cool, gently peel off the beet skin (it should come off with one good swipe of your fingers).

Slice beets and drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve warm. You can also serve it cold or room temperature but my favorite is slightly warmed.

7 comments:

  1. OH I am so making these. I LOVE pickled beets. Like I am obsessed. My grandma cans them every year, and when I was up at school she would give me like 10 cans...but now I dont live by her...sad. So I will have to do it myself I suppose. :-) Thanks for the recipe! I'll give them a try!

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  2. I have never even thought about making, nonetheless EATING beets! Maybe I'll have to give it a try!

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  3. The only beet that I've had in my life tasted like dirt, clearly I need to give them another shot.

    And those banana pancakes look delish.

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  4. We eat beets 2-3 times a week. Our method is a little bit different none the less very tasty! We peel the beets with a potato peeler then slice them we get about 3-4 slices per beet and the lay them on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and pinch of salt. Then roast them in the oven for 20-25 min at 400 degrees. So good and so healthy! SUPER FOOD

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  5. i love beets and i don't know how to cook them. but now i do thanks to you.
    i love pickled beets... does this make them taste that way because of the vinegar?... or do i have to do something different?

    and i agree with malia, those pancakes look delish... my kids would love those.

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  6. I'm with Carolyn & Nate above--we love roasting our beets. I wrap whole beets in foil and roast at 350-400 for 30-60 min (depending on size of beets and other things I'm cooking). Take out, let cool, skins will slip off. Amazing with just butter and salt and pepper.

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