Just Beet It! 18 of Our Favorite Root Recipes (2024)

Did you know that the word beautiful is rooted in the word beet (bee[t]‑ü‑ti‑fəl)? Okay, while that may not be true is definitely not true, it should be, because beets are totally the most gorgeous root vegetables of all. From their deep blood reds to candy cane-stripes to sunny golden hues, brighten up your plate this winter with these 18 un-beet-able recipes!

1. Roasted Beets and Lemon Greens Wrap: Nestled into a homemade yogurt flatbread, roasted beets and their greens mingle with tangy goat cheese and a bright lemon vinaigrette. (via Lore)

2. Beet Almond Cookies: No drops of food color here. A touch of beet puree adds a lovely hue (and a vitamin boost) to these healthy gluten-free, grain-free cookies. (via Veggie Style With Daphne)

3. Egyptian Beetroot Dip: Roasting the beets and garlic sweetens their flavors, making an irresistible spread to enjoy with your favorite cracker. (via Delicious Everyday)

4. Rainbow Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing: We’re all over rainbow-colored recipes around here, and this one’s no exception. (via Feasting at Home)

6. Warm Lentil Salad with Roasted Beets and Goat Cheese: Whether you’re easing back into solid food after a juice cleanse or simply looking for a healthy meal that feels indulgent, this salad is it. (via Many Kitchens)

7. Vegetable Nori Rolls with Crunchy Lentils and Turmeric: If you can’t stomach the swimming stuff in sushi, dip your toes into the nori-wrapped world of vegan, gluten-free rolls with this veggie-packed version. (via Food Fitness FreshAir)

8. Beet Latkes with Horseradish Crème Fraîche: Another terrific latke recipe to add to your repertoire. These beet-based fritters are thoughtfully seasoned with dill and chives, then served with a dollop of kicky crème fraîche. (via The View from Great Island)

9. Roasted Beet, Arugula, Goat Cheese, and Honey Crostini: Whether you make a meal out of these crostini or serve them up as an app at your next party, you can’t go wrong. (via Gimme Some Oven)

10. Beet Green and Mushroom Frittata: Don’t just toss the greens from your next bunch of beets, make this veggie-packed frittata instead. (via Fig + Honey)

11. Wine Poached Pears with Beet and Pomegranate: Whether you use red wine or not, these spiced pears will take on a gorgeous ruby hue courtesy of the beets and pomegranate seeds! (via Elephants and the Coconut Trees)

12. Spiced Dark Chocolate Beet Cake with Cardamom Infused Cream: Would you guess that this decadent chocolate cake is both flourless AND contains about a half pound of beets? (via Two Loves Studio)

13. Lemon Dijon Beet Salad: The dressing for this gorgeous salad gets a bit of a creamy boost courtesy of coconut milk. (via Poppies and Papayas)

14. Pancetta, Golden Beet, and Gorgonzola Pasta: It’s hard to spot the golden-colored beets tucked among the pasta, making this dish a great way to sneak in a little veggie action. The cheese and a touch of Italian bacon don’t hurt either. (via Bitchin’ Camero)

15. Caramelized Onion and Beet Soup: This soup raids the root cellar and your pantry to create this creamy, sippable soup. (via Gobo Root)

16. Raw Beet and Berry Liver Cleanse: After shaking your way through our co*cktail archives, this juice may be just what the doctor ordered. (Granted, we’re not medical experts, but whatever.) (via Bare Root)

17. Sumac Thyme Roast Chicken with Strawberry-Beet Watercress: We’d never in a million years think to combine beets and strawberries, but Ms. Mollenkamp makes it work as a terrific spring-summer accompaniment to roast chicken. Yum! (via Aida Mollenkamp)

18. Poached Eggs with Greens and Garlic on Toast: Put a bird egg on it! Another terrific way to use up those beet greens, these toasts would be a terrific centerpiece for your next brunch. (via Paprika Red)

Have you already fallen for this sometimes under-appreciated, earthy veg or are you still rooted in doubt? Talk to us in the comments!

Heather Sage

Heather Sage is a gluten-free recipe developer and freelance writer living in Orlando by way of the Silicon Valley. When she isn’t playing around with alternative flours in the kitchen, she can be found tackling DIY projects around the house or exploring her neighborhood. Check out her gluten-free recipe blog, A Sage Amalgam.

Just Beet It! 18 of Our Favorite Root Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Do you peel beets before cooking? ›

TIPS FOR cooking beets

Keep checking whichever method you're using. Don't remove the beet skin before cooking. It's really not necessary and it's much easier to do so after cooking. Some also find that removing the skin prior to cooking takes away some of the beet's earthy test.

Is it better to roast or boil beetroot? ›

Roasted beetroot provides a nourishing, hearty taste, and boiling brings bright and vibrant colour. If you're wondering how to cook beetroot, here are the best ways that won't stain your hands or any other ingredients! TIP: Always wear disposable gloves when cooking beetroot.

How do you make beets taste good? ›

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir shredded beets in hot butter until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Pour water over the beets, cover skillet with a lid, and simmer beets until completely softened, about 10 minutes. Stir balsamic vinegar with the beets; season with salt and pepper.

What is the best cooking method for beets? ›

Steaming: Steaming is a great way to cook beets while retaining their nutritional value. To steam beets, first, scrub them clean and trim off the greens and tail. Place them in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water and steam for 30-40 minutes, or until they are tender.

Is it better to eat beetroot raw or cooked? ›

However, most Americans don't get enough fiber, and beets are a good source of the insoluble type, which helps keep you regular and full longer than beet juice. Raw beets contain more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than cooked beets (yes, you can eat beets raw!).

What does beet root do for your body? ›

Beetroots and beetroot juice have been associated with numerous health benefits, including improved blood flow, lower blood pressure, and increased exercise performance. Many of these benefits are due to their high content of inorganic nitrates. Beetroots are delicious raw but more frequently cooked or pickled.

What is the best time to eat beetroot? ›

Individuals of all ages can benefit from drinking beetroot juice in the morning, particularly athletes and those over the age of 50s. Just one glass of beetroot juice each day in the morning can increase nitric oxide levels and give our bodies the extra boost needed to power through the day ahead.

How to cook beets with no mess? ›

Aita's favorite (and least messy) way to make beets is to roast them under a thick layer of salt. The salt draws out moisture, which will reduce the amount of juice, he explains. To do it, you'll need about a pound of kosher salt for every pound of beets you use.

How do you know when beets are cooked? ›

You will know when they are finished by inserting a fork; it should go through easily. You will also be able to easily slip the skins off; you can test this with the fork when they are still cooking. Cut the beets in quarters to cook them in less time.

How many minutes should I cook beetroot? ›

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until fork-tender, 25 to 35 minutes for medium beets or 45 minutes to 1 hour for large beets. 3. Immediately move the cooked beets into ice-cold water and peel off the skins.

What is the healthiest way to eat beets? ›

Eating beets raw or juicing and roasting them may be more beneficial than boiling them. Beetroots, commonly known as beets, are a vibrant and versatile type of vegetable. They're known for their earthy flavor and aroma. Many people call them a superfood because of their rich nutritional profile.

Is it OK to eat beets everyday? ›

Gout is an extremely painful condition caused by an increased uric acid level in your blood. The oxalates found in beets can increase your uric acid level, meaning that too many beets can lead to gout. To avoid this, stick to no more than a single half-cup serving of beets per day.

Is cooked beetroot good for you? ›

Packed with nutrition, beets have antioxidants like betalains that fight cell damage and inflammation, potentially offering protection against cancer and heart disease. Health benefits of beets include more stamina during exercise, heart disease and stroke prevention, and lower blood pressure.

Do you cut the roots of beetroot before boiling? ›

Next, trim the thin root at the bottom of the beets but not too close to the taproot itself not to damage the skin. Similarly to the older beets, only wash beetroot before cooking. Don't waste the greens as they're really delicious raw in salads or gently sautéed with some olive oil and garlic.

Why vinegar is added in water for boiling beetroot? ›

Directions. Place the beets in a large saucepan and add water to cover and the lemon juice or vinegar. This will help to keep the beets from bleeding. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

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