Should you cook beets with or without the skin?

Beets, you often see them in the produce section of the supermarket. Those ruby-red tubers you might sometimes pass over, simply because you don't know how to handle them. That's a shame, because beets are versatile and packed with flavor. Today I'll take you on a journey into the world of cooking beets with the skin on. Why with the skin on? You'll find out below.

The advantage of cooking with the peel

Why cook beets with the skin on? Simple: the skin protects the beets during cooking. This helps preserve nutrients and prevents dehydration. The result? A beet that's juicy and retains its full flavor. Not only will you make your dishes healthier, but you'll also get a more intense flavor experience.

When you cook beets peeled, you risk losing valuable nutrients like vitamins and antioxidants. Cooking the beets with their skins seals them in, retaining all the goodness inside. It also saves you time during preparation.

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Selecting and preparing beets

Start by selecting the right beets. Make sure they feel firm and are smooth. Avoid any with dents or blemishes. The leaves, if still attached, should look fresh and green. Unfortunately, these vitamin-packed beets can sometimes get covered in soil. So, rinse them thoroughly under cold water first. Don't forget to include the roots at the bottom. Before you start cooking, it's wise to cut off most of the leaf stalk, leaving about 2 cm. This prevents the beets from losing their juices during cooking.

How do we cook our beets?

Now that we've properly selected and cleaned the beets, let's get started. Fill a large pot with water and add some salt. The salt adds flavor and improves the texture of the skin when the beets cook.

Follow these steps:

• Place the beets in the pan , making sure they are completely submerged in water.
• Bring the water to a boil. Be patient, as the larger the beets, the longer they'll take to cook.
• Simmer the beets gently. Small beets need about 20 to 30 minutes, while larger beets can take 45 to 60 minutes.
• Test if the beets are done by poking them with a knife. If the knife slides in and out easily, the beets are perfect.

Cooling and peeling

Once the beets are cooked, drain them and immediately rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process. The sudden temperature change will cause the skin to shrink slightly, making it easy to peel off with your fingers.

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The beetroot is now ready to use in your favorite dishes. How about a classic beetroot salad, a creamy soup, or a surprising beetroot carpaccio?

Creative dishes with boiled beets

Now that you know how to cook beets properly, the world of beetroot dishes is open to you. Here are some inspiring suggestions:

• Beetroot salad with goat cheese and walnuts: Thinly slice the beets and toss them with soft goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and arugula. A dressing of balsamic vinegar and olive oil completes the dish.
• Beetroot Soup: A delicious soup with a beautiful color. Add some garlic and onion, and perhaps a dash of cream for a velvety texture.
• Beetroot Burger: Puree cooked beets and mix them with oats and herbs. Fry the outside until crispy for a veggie burger that will surprise everyone.

Cooking beets with the skin on

Cooking beets with their skins is easy, preserves more flavor and health, and opens the door to countless delicious dishes. It requires a bit of patience, but the reward is a juicy, flavorful, and versatile end result. So the next time you're in the produce aisle, pick up those beets, cook them with their skins on, and discover the world of flavors that awaits you. Happy cooking!