Yes, you can steam beets! Steaming is an excellent way to cook beets, preserving their nutrients and natural sweetness.
Here's how to steam beets effectively:
How to Steam Beets
- Preparation: Wash the beets thoroughly, but don't peel them. Leaving the skin on helps retain their color and nutrients. You can trim the tops and root ends.
- Steaming Setup: Fill a pot with about 2 inches of water. Place a steamer basket or insert into the pot, ensuring the water level is below the basket.
- Steaming Process:
- Place the beets in the steamer basket.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium.
- Steam the beets until they are tender.
Steaming Time
The steaming time depends on the size of the beets:
| Beet Size | Steaming Time (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Small/Medium | 30 minutes |
| Large | 40 minutes |
Test for doneness by piercing the beets with a knife or skewer. They are ready when the utensil goes in easily to the middle.
After Steaming
- Cooling: Once steamed, remove the beets from the pot and let them cool slightly.
- Peeling: When cool enough to handle, the skins should slip off easily. You can use your fingers or a paring knife.
- Serving: Enjoy your steamed beets as a side dish, in salads, or pickled.
Steaming is a healthy and straightforward method for cooking beets, resulting in tender and flavorful vegetables.
