Microwave Magic: The Easiest Way to Cook Beets!
Beets. They’re earthy, sweet, and packed with nutrients. But let’s be honest, cooking them can feel like a chore. Between the messy peeling, the long roasting times, and the inevitable staining of your hands, many home cooks shy away from these vibrant root vegetables. But what if I told you there’s a secret weapon to unlocking the beet’s potential without all the fuss? Enter the microwave! Yes, you can microwave beets, and it’s arguably the easiest and fastest way to cook them. This method retains their vibrant color and flavor while significantly reducing cooking time. Get ready to revolutionize your beet game with this simple guide.
## Why Microwave Beets?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s explore why microwaving is such a great option for cooking beets:
* **Speed:** This is the biggest advantage. Microwaving drastically cuts down the cooking time compared to roasting or boiling. You can have perfectly cooked beets in a matter of minutes, not hours.
* **Convenience:** No need to preheat an oven or babysit a boiling pot. Simply prep your beets, pop them in the microwave, and let the magic happen.
* **Nutrient Retention:** Microwaving, especially with minimal water, helps retain more of the beets’ nutrients compared to boiling, where some nutrients can leach into the water.
* **Less Mess:** No stained pots or countertops! The microwave keeps the mess contained.
* **Easy Cleanup:** Just wash the dish you used in the microwave, and you’re done.
## What You’ll Need
Thankfully, you don’t need much to microwave beets:
* **Fresh Beets:** Choose beets that are firm, smooth, and free from blemishes. Size matters; smaller beets will cook faster. You can use any variety of beets, including red, golden, or Chioggia.
* **Microwave-Safe Dish:** A glass or ceramic dish with a lid is ideal. If you don’t have a lid, you can use microwave-safe plastic wrap. Make sure to vent the plastic wrap to allow steam to escape.
* **Water:** A small amount of water creates steam, which helps cook the beets evenly.
* **Knife or Vegetable Peeler:** For trimming and peeling the beets (optional).
* **Fork:** To test for doneness.
* **Oven Mitts:** To handle the hot dish.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Microwaving Beets
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked microwave beets:
**Step 1: Prep the Beets**
* **Wash the Beets:** Thoroughly wash the beets under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a vegetable brush if necessary.
* **Trim the Ends:** Trim off the leafy tops and root ends of the beets. You can save the beet greens for another recipe (they’re delicious sautéed!).
* **Peel (Optional):** Peeling the beets before microwaving is optional. If you plan to use the beets in a salad or other dish where a smooth texture is desired, peeling them beforehand is recommended. However, if you prefer to keep the skins on for added nutrients and fiber, you can skip this step. The skins will be easier to remove after cooking.
* **Cut into Uniform Pieces (Optional):** If you’re using large beets, cutting them into smaller, uniform pieces will ensure even cooking. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
**Step 2: Place in Microwave-Safe Dish**
* Place the prepared beets in a microwave-safe dish. Make sure the dish is large enough to hold the beets comfortably without overcrowding them.
**Step 3: Add Water**
* Add about 2-3 tablespoons of water to the dish. The water will create steam, which helps to cook the beets evenly.
**Step 4: Cover the Dish**
* Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, be sure to vent it by poking a few holes with a fork or knife to allow steam to escape. This prevents the plastic wrap from bursting.
**Step 5: Microwave**
* Microwave on high power for 8-15 minutes, depending on the size and quantity of the beets. Start with 8 minutes and check for doneness. Continue microwaving in 2-minute increments until the beets are tender.
**Step 6: Check for Doneness**
* Carefully remove the dish from the microwave using oven mitts (it will be hot!).
* Test for doneness by inserting a fork into the center of a beet. If the fork slides in easily with little resistance, the beets are done. If they are still firm, continue microwaving for another 1-2 minutes.
**Step 7: Let Cool Slightly**
* Let the beets cool slightly before handling them. This will make them easier to peel (if you haven’t already) and prevent you from burning yourself.
**Step 8: Peel (If Not Already Peeled)**
* If you didn’t peel the beets before microwaving, you can easily peel them now. The skins should slip off easily with a paring knife or your fingers. Be careful, as the beets will still be hot.
**Step 9: Enjoy!**
* Your perfectly microwaved beets are now ready to be enjoyed! You can use them in salads, soups, smoothies, or as a side dish. See below for serving suggestions.
## Cooking Times: A Guide
The exact cooking time will vary depending on the size and quantity of the beets, as well as the power of your microwave. Here’s a general guideline:
* **Small Beets (2-3 inches in diameter):** 8-10 minutes
* **Medium Beets (3-4 inches in diameter):** 10-12 minutes
* **Large Beets (4+ inches in diameter):** 12-15 minutes
* **Cut Beets:** 6-8 minutes
It’s always best to start with the lower end of the time range and check for doneness frequently. You can always add more time if needed.
## Tips for Microwaving Beets Like a Pro
* **Choose Beets Wisely:** Select beets that are firm, smooth, and free from blemishes. Avoid beets that are soft or wrinkled.
* **Uniform Size is Key:** If you’re cutting the beets, make sure the pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Dish:** Avoid overcrowding the dish, as this can prevent the beets from cooking evenly. If you have a lot of beets, cook them in batches.
* **Add Enough Water:** The water is essential for creating steam, which helps to cook the beets evenly. Make sure there’s enough water in the dish, but not so much that the beets are submerged.
* **Check for Doneness Regularly:** Use a fork to check for doneness frequently. This will prevent you from overcooking the beets.
* **Let Cool Before Peeling:** Let the beets cool slightly before peeling them. This will make them easier to handle and prevent you from burning yourself.
* **Wear Gloves (Optional):** If you’re concerned about staining your hands, wear gloves when handling the beets.
## Serving Suggestions
Now that you have perfectly cooked beets, what do you do with them? Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Beet Salad:** Combine sliced or diced beets with goat cheese, walnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a classic beet salad.
* **Roasted Beet Hummus:** Add roasted beets to your favorite hummus recipe for a vibrant and flavorful twist.
* **Beet and Orange Salad:** Combine sliced beets with orange segments, red onion, and a citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
* **Beet Soup (Borscht):** Use the cooked beets as the base for a traditional beet soup (borscht).
* **Beet Smoothies:** Add cooked beets to your favorite smoothie recipe for a boost of nutrients and color.
* **Simple Side Dish:** Simply toss the cooked beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a simple and delicious side dish.
* **Pickled Beets:** Use the cooked beets to make pickled beets.
* **Beet Tartare:** Finely dice the cooked beets and mix with capers, shallots, and a vinaigrette for a vegetarian beet tartare.
* **Beet Risotto:** Add diced cooked beets to risotto for a beautiful pink hue and earthy flavor.
* **Beet and Feta Pizza:** Top a pizza with sliced cooked beets, feta cheese, and balsamic glaze.
## Storing Cooked Beets
Cooked beets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. You can also freeze cooked beets for longer storage. To freeze, cut the beets into pieces and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 8 months.
## Variations and Additions
* **Add Herbs:** Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill to the dish while microwaving for added flavor.
* **Use Different Liquids:** Instead of water, try using vegetable broth, chicken broth, or even beet juice for a deeper flavor.
* **Add Spices:** Sprinkle the beets with spices like cumin, coriander, or paprika before microwaving for a warm and flavorful twist.
* **Roast After Microwaving:** For a slightly caramelized flavor, roast the microwaved beets in the oven for a few minutes after microwaving.
## Troubleshooting
* **Beets are still hard after microwaving:** Continue microwaving in 1-2 minute increments until they are tender.
* **Beets are overcooked and mushy:** Reduce the cooking time next time.
* **Beets are unevenly cooked:** Make sure the beets are cut into uniform pieces and that the dish is not overcrowded.
## The Nutritional Powerhouse: Why Beets are Good for You
Beyond their ease of cooking with the microwave method, beets are nutritional powerhouses, offering a wealth of health benefits. Here’s a glimpse into their impressive nutritional profile:
* **Rich in Vitamins and Minerals:** Beets are a good source of folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. Folate is crucial for cell growth and development, while manganese is involved in bone formation, nutrient metabolism, and antioxidant defense. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, and iron is essential for carrying oxygen in the blood. Vitamin C boosts the immune system and acts as an antioxidant.
* **High in Antioxidants:** Beets are packed with antioxidants, including betalains, which are responsible for their vibrant color. Betalains have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
* **May Improve Heart Health:** The nitrates in beets can be converted into nitric oxide in the body, which helps relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. This can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
* **May Enhance Athletic Performance:** Nitrates in beets can also improve athletic performance by increasing oxygen delivery to muscles. This can lead to improved endurance and reduced fatigue.
* **May Support Brain Health:** Some studies suggest that the nitrates in beets may improve blood flow to the brain, which could enhance cognitive function and protect against age-related cognitive decline.
* **Good Source of Fiber:** Beets are a good source of fiber, which promotes digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and can contribute to weight management.
* **May Have Anti-Cancer Properties:** Some research suggests that betalains in beets may have anti-cancer properties, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
## Conclusion: Embrace the Microwave Beet Revolution
Microwaving beets is a game-changer for busy cooks who want to enjoy the delicious flavor and nutritional benefits of this vibrant root vegetable without the hassle. With this simple guide, you can have perfectly cooked beets in minutes, ready to be enjoyed in salads, soups, smoothies, or as a simple side dish. So, ditch the long cooking times and messy cleanup, and embrace the microwave beet revolution! You’ll be amazed at how easy and convenient it is to enjoy this nutritional powerhouse.