Introduction
If you’ve never roasted beets before, you might be missing out on what just might be the best way to cook them. Roasting is super simple and brings out the natural sweetness of the beets. The texture is perfect, tender but not mushy, with a slightly crispy exterior. Not to mention, the distinct flavor of roasted beets is hard to beat.
But let’s be real, roasting beets can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before. The thought of preparing them, the potential mess and quite simply the lack of knowledge around it can be enough to steer people away and towards boiling or steaming them instead. But we’re here to show you that roasting beets doesn’t need to be intimidating. In fact, it is easier to achieve a tender, flavorful result than you might expect.
The Ultimate Guide to Roasting Beets: Simple Techniques for Tender, Flavorful Results
It’s time to introduce you to the ultimate guide to roasting beets, which will walk you through everything you need to know to get perfectly roasted beets every time!
Step-by-step instructions
The first step to successfully roasting beets is to wash them and remove the greens if they are still attached. This will allow them to roast more evenly and prevent them from burning.
Next, prepare your beets for roasting. We recommend using a baking dish or roasting pan that will hold all of your beets without overcrowding. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
You can also choose to wrap your beets in foil, which reduces the chance of the beets drying out. Choose a method based on your preference, the size of your beets and what kind of flavour profile you’re hoping to achieve.
Once you have your beets prepared, it’s time to add some seasoning. Olive oil, salt, pepper and any herbs you like are great options. Carefully toss the beets to ensure they’re coated with your desired flavouring and then spread them out evenly in your roasting pan.
Roast your beets in the oven for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the beets. Check them periodically to ensure they are roasting evenly and not burning. When they’re ready, the beets should be tender but still slightly firm. Once you’re happy they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool before handling them.
Tips and tricks for best outcome
One of the most important things to keep in mind when roasting beets is to make sure they don’t dry out. Before beginning the cooking process, make sure the beets are coated evenly with oil or another cooking fat. Additionally, wrapping them in foil will help to retain moisture and keep the beets from becoming dry and hard.
Another tip is to make sure the beets are cut into even-sized pieces for more even cooking. This will prevent smaller pieces from burning while larger pieces are still cooking.
How to prepare the beets
Before roasting the beets, they should be washed and dried. Trim the tops and bottoms of the beet roots and discard.
We recommend peeling the beets before roasting. To do this, take a vegetable peeler and carefully peel the skin off the beet. You can also use a knife to remove any remaining skin. This will depend on what you feel comfortable with and what kind of flavor profile you’re trying to achieve.
How to determine when the beets are done
There are several ways to determine if your beets are done roasting. The easiest is to use a fork and gently pierce the beet from the top. If it goes in easily, then your beets are done. You can also use a knife to pierce the center of your beet. If it slides in easily, you’re good to go.
When they’re done, remove from the oven and let them cool before handling them. Peeling the beets takes less effort when they’re still warm, so do not wait for the beets to get cold before you peel them.
Roasting Beets: A Healthier Alternative to Boiling or Steaming
There are numerous reasons why roasting beets is the best way to cook them, and health is one of them. Boiling or steaming beets leaches out some of their nutrients, but roasting helps to lock them in. Plus, roasted beets are much more flavorful and caramelized in comparison to other cooking methods.
Benefits of roasting beets
The high temperature and intense dry heat of roasting helps to breakdown the complex sugars in beets and give them their distinctive sweet, earthy flavor.
Roasting beets has added nutritional benefits over other cooking methods. By not immersing them in water, they retain more of their nutrients, including fiber, folate, potassium, vitamin C and iron.
Enhanced caramelization and flavor
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in beets and enhances their flavor. They develop a crispy exterior that balances well with their sweet, tender center. Not to mention, the caramelised edges of the beets add an extra depth of flavour that make them taste even better.
Creative Ways to Use Roasted Beets in Your Cooking
Now that you know how to roast beets perfectly, it’s time to get creative and turn your roasted beets into delicious meals and side dishes.
Unique recipes that feature roasted beets
Roasted beets pair incredibly well with other flavors, from cheese to nuts to fruits, providing endless opportunities for exciting, flavourful dishes.
Beet and goat cheese salad
A beet and goat cheese salad is one of the most classic and delicious ways to enjoy roasted beets. Combine roasted beets with fresh goat cheese, greens, and a drizzle of balsamic dressing for a crowd-pleasing salad that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Roasted beet hummus
The addition of roasted beets to hummus creates a vibrant pink color and a subtly sweet flavor. Serve with pita chips or use it as a sandwich spread for a tasty and healthy twist on a classic meal.
Other creative recipes to consider include roasted beet soup, roasted beet dip and many more tasty options.
Roasting Beets for Beginners: How to Get Started
Basic equipment needed
Roasting beets is relatively easy and doesn’t require a lot of equipment beyond an oven and some baking or roasting pans. However, using aluminum foil, baking sheets and a sharp knife will make roasting easier and less messy.
Proper way to prep the beets
Before roasting beets, be sure to wash and dry them. Remove any greens and trim the ends before peeling or slicing. Be sure to slice them evenly or chop them into bite-sized pieces so that they cook evenly.
How to roast the beets using different methods
Roasting beets can be done in various ways, depending on the flavor profile you’re trying to achieve. For an even deeper flavour, wrap beets in aluminum foil before roasting. Alternatively, you can drizzle some olive oil over the beets and season with a bit of salt and black pepper.
The Science of Roasting Beets: What Happens to Them in the Oven
Chemical changes that occur when beets are roasted
Roasting beets involves a complex scientific process that transforms their texture, flavor, and aroma. As beets are roasted, they undergo a series of chemical reactions. Sugars begin to caramelize, displaying a rich golden hue on the outside, and the aromatic compounds in the beets break down creating their distinct, earthy aroma.
Explanation of why roasted beets turn sweeter and more tender
The sugars in beets break down during roasting, and this results in the development of a sweeter flavor. The high heat of the oven also causes the cell walls of the beets to break down, making them more tender and easier to chew.
Other interesting information about the science of roasting beets
When roasted, beets caramelize, which gives them their characteristic rich and nutty flavor. In addition, roasting beets can actually increase their nutrient content, making them a more nutritious choice than boiled or steamed beets.
Conclusion
Roasting beets is easier than you might think and can be a healthy and delicious way to enjoy this unique root vegetable. It just might become your favourite way to eat beets. So whether you’re looking to add some delicious new side dishes to your recipe book or just curious about how to roast beets, we encourage you to give this simple technique a try.
