Honey Beets Recipe Your Kids Will Love

Beets are not high on everyone's "favorite" food list. They are on mine, however. When I was a child, I did not like carrots or squash, and barley tolerated peas. However, I had a thing for beets. I preferred them boiled and served hot in a bit of vinegar. One day my mother served "honey beets." I promise, if you do not care for beets, you may reconsider when you try this fresh beet and honey recipe.

Preparing Beets

My mom never scrubbed the beets before cooking. She said the outer skin contained all the "goodness." With a little research, I confirmed she was correct -- even all those years ago. When you eat beets, leaves included, you load up on vitamins A and C, B1, B2, and B6.

Another health benefit of beets includes minerals like calcium, copper and the best known, iron. As far as the iron goes, while beets are not crammed with iron, the iron beets do contain, apparently packs a wallop.

It is recommended that you steam, bake or boil beets "without peeling" them beforehand. You can rinse them gently with cold water if they are dirt-covered -- like fresh-dug would be. I remove the leaves because I find them a tad bitter. They are edible, though.

Beets take a long time to cook. I prefer to boil them. If the beets are hefty, they can easily take an hour to get soft.

It is important to check beets often while they boil, replenishing water as needed. Test doneness with a fork, the same as you would a potato. Soft means the beets are cooked.

You can save time by cooking beets in the microwave. Again, cook beets in the microwave just like you would cook potatoes. Start with two to three minutes on high and test for doneness. If not ready, cook a minute or two more until soft.

Ingredients for "Honey Beets" - Serves 4

*2 cups cooked diced beets (fresh cooked is better - canned in a pinch)

*2 tablespoons butter (butter substitute works, but not as well)

*1/4 cup orange juice

*1 teaspoon grated orange peel

*1/2 cup honey

*pinch of sea salt

*1/4 teaspoon pepper

Cooking Directions

Put diced beets in a saucepan. Add remaining ingredients and mix gently. Cook on moderate heat until liquid evaporates and butter and honey form a glaze over the beets. Remove from heat and serve immediately. Beets pair well with pork chops or pork tenderloin.

Sources:

Personal Experience

Beet Nutrition Information