Tips for Cooking Beets

If you are one of those people attempting to add variety to your daily meals you just have to try Beets. I know most people have not even tried the root vegetable mostly because they are unfamiliar and they don't quite know what to do with them.

First let me highlight some benefits that beets can provide you so if they seem a hassle to cook you will have some compelling reasons to go ahead and try them.

Beets are loaded with vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and C. The beet greens have very high iron content, even higher than spinach. They are an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, copper, and sodium also. It is a great food for blood building.

Having given you great reasons to try beets now you need to pick out some good beets and learn how to handle them. Beets are best when they are firm and not wrinkled. It is better to purchase them with the greens attached as the greens have very high nutritional value but know that with the green attached they only last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Without the greens you can expect the beets to last a couple of weeks to prepare them fresh.

If you have a choice beets with round bottoms are sweeter than flat-bottomed ones.

Before giving you a couple of my favorite recipes you need a few tips on handling and cooking them. Over the years I have had my disasters where beets are concerned so hopefully these tips will help all who are adventurous enough to take the beet challenge.

The following are some of the things I have learned about beets:

• Like a potato, choosing beets all the same size will ensure even cooking

• It is best to remove the stem and root after cooking

• Baking is the best way to retain the nutritional value of the beet

• 3 to 4 small beets is about a one serving

• Some spices to try include dill, garlic, allspice, mustard seed, and lemon juice

• Beets can stain (everything) your clothes, your dishes, your hands

• Beets have what some people call an unpleasant odor when they cook

Beets can be shredded and add to salads. The color of beets will spread to other things it touches so add them last to avoid the whole dish being purplish.

Beets can be micro waved but it is not recommended. If you choose to microwave remember to pierce them like you do a potato and put them in a safe dish with a little water. You will have to nuke them for 10 minutes or so and then let finish cooking by letting stand for another 5 or 10 minutes.

Now for some great recipes.

Baking beets is simple and may be best if this is your first experience with this great vegetable. Beets need to be cooked at 350 degrees. Place in oven in a covered pan or in foil like a baked potato. You will have to bake for at least 2 or 2 ½ hours to get them tender. In order to peel them you have to let them cool or submerge in ice water.

Okay. Now that the beets are baked you can do other things with them.

Simple Beets

Slice the freshly baked beets and put them in a sauce pan. Mix in a pinch of salt and pepper with about 2 tablespoons of butter. Over medium high heat gently stir for 3 minutes. That's it. Serve and enjoy.

To add some jest to you beets try this next recipe.

Take your cooked beets (about 2 pounds) and place them in a sauce pan. Add a pinch of pepper. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and cook over low heat. Stir gently and often. After everything is heated thoroughly add ½ of parmesan cheese and cook until the cheese is melted and the cream thickens. Serve immediately. While this dish is great you can see it has additional calories but might be a way to get the whole family to try them.

Beets have so many benefits do whatever you can to slip them into your meals. Bake a variety of vegetables together in one dish like potatoes, carrots, onions, and beets. Mix up some oil and vinegar, salt and pepper, and sprinkle over the vegetables. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour at 400 degrees.

It takes some experimenting but you will find that perfect way your family loves their beets. Don't be afraid to buy fresh and have fun trying new ways to enjoy.