Look, we know that beets are a pretty intimidating vegetable. They’re not super common, so you probably didn’t grow up eating them, and their intense pink color stains everything and makes your kitchen look like a horror film. That being said, beets can be so delicious, with a sweet, floral flavor. So here is how to cook beets to make them shine.
Don’t Peel Them
Peeling raw beets can be tricky, so it’s generally recommended to go ahead and cook them with the skin on, and then peel them afterward once they’re softer and more manageable. When you do peel the cooked beets, you can hold them with a paper towel to avoid staining your skin.
Scrub Them Clean
Because they’re a root vegetable, beets can be pretty dirty, especially if you get them from the farmer’s market. So scrub them well before cooking, using a vegetable scrubber if you have one.
Cooking Methods
Boiling beets is the easiest, most fool-proof method, although steaming helps avoid losing nutrients and roasting might lead to a better flavor. Our advice? Experiment with all three methods and see which one you like best.