To prepare beets, a simple method is boiling them on the stovetop. Here's how:
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Prepare the Beets: Wash the beets thoroughly to remove any dirt. You can leave the skin on, as it will slip off easily after cooking. You can also trim the tops and roots, but leaving about an inch of the stems attached helps prevent the color from bleeding out during cooking.
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Boil the Beets:
- Fill a pot about 3/4 full with water.
- Place the beets in the water.
- Bring the water to a boil.
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Cook the Beets: Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the beets are tender. Cooking time depends on the size of the beets; smaller beets will cook faster. You can test for doneness by piercing a beet with a fork or knife; it should slide in easily.
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Cool and Peel: Once cooked, drain the beets and let them cool slightly. Alternatively, you can immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and make them easier to handle. Once cool enough to handle, the skins should slip off easily with your fingers.
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Use or Store: Now the beets are ready to be sliced, diced, or used in your favorite recipes. Cooked beets can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.
