Beetroots are brilliant for so many different reasons.
They taste great, contain numerous health benefits and are so versatile that you can use them in countless recipes.
You're probably reading this because you're hungry, so let's dive straight into our 4 favourite beetroot recipes so you can get cooking!
Why You Should Cook With Beetroot More Often
Beetroot (or beets if you're from the US) unfortunately, and undeservedly, has often copped a bad rap from many over the years for being tasteless at best and disgusting at worst.
We can say beyond a shadow of a doubt - this is not the case. In fact, when used correctly, they can add a wonderful earthy flavour and numerous amazing health benefits. They can even be used to make a game-changing beetroot latte!
Some of the key vitamins and minerals they provide include:
- Fibre.
- Manganese.
- Potassium.
- Iron.
- Vitamin C.
Now that you understand why you should be eating more beetroot, let's get into the best ways to eat them!
The 4 Best Beetroot Recipes You Need To Try:
1.) Instant Pot Beets
An instant pot (also sometimes called a pressure cooker) is a remarkable device that allows you to cook almost anything with minimal hassle.
They are extremely quick and user-friendly, which means all you need to do is measure your ingredients, place them inside and press the start button.
This particular recipe comes courtesy of Corrie Cooks and is a fabulous way to get your daily dose of beetroot benefits.
While this is a simple recipe, it allows the taste of the beets to shine through and gives the base for many other easy midweek meal ideas.
Ingredients:
- 4 x whole beetroot
- 1 x cup of water
- Butter (to taste)
Method:
- Wash and trim the beetroots - no need to peel.
- Add the beetroot and a cup of water to your instant pot or pressure cooker.
- Close the lid and cook at high pressure for 15 minutes. Cooking time will vary on the size of the beetroot, but this will get you close.
- Once done, release the pressure and open the lid.
- Test with a fork - if undercooked, place back in until they are as desired.
- Serve with butter, fresh dill and goat's cheese, or, use par-cooked for roasted beetroot, beetroot soup or even brownies and pudding!
2.) Beet And Feta Cheese Salad
Do you know what goes really well with beetroot? feta!
They are a match made in heaven. You can eat this meal as a snack, starter, light lunch or the main course, it is up to you, but however you eat it, you're in for a treat!
Ingredients:
- 4 x Whole Beetroot
- 1 x Shallot (finely chopped)
- Mixed greens (something robust like Romain lettuce or arugula).
- Cherry tomatoes
- 2 oz x Feta cheese.
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon juice
Method:
- Wash the beetroot under cold running water and then place them in a saucepan to boil for around 45 minutes or until soft.
- Finely chop the shallots and cherry tomatoes.
- Wash your lettuce and prepare it in a salad bowl.
- Once your cooked beetroot is soft, take it out of the water, drain it, and chop them into chunks.
- Cube cut the feta cheese.
- Place all ingredients into a salad bowl and lightly mix together with a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Add a little salt, pepper and lemon juice to taste.
Hot Tip:
Roasted beetroot instead of boiled is a great option in this salad! Roast beetroot is delicious on its own and it's not too difficult to find an easy roast beetroot recipe - here are a few to get you started.
3.) Pickled Beetroot
This recipe is particularly great as lasts in the fridge for ages. They have also been the star of many a dinner party.
You can even go one step further and turn your pickled beets into pickled vegetable ketchup, an onion relish or any other tasty recipe you have in mind.
Ingredients:
- 8 x Fresh Beetroot
- 1 x Cup vinegar
- 1/2 x Cup sugar
- 1-1/2 tsp whole cloves
- 1/2 x tsp salt
Method:
- Scrub and cut off the top and bottom of the beetroot.
- Place into a pan and cover with cold water.
- Bring to the boil, then turn down to a simmer for around 25-30 minutes. Drain once soft.
- Prepare a small saucepan to combine the vinegar, sugar, cloves, and salt and boil for 5 minutes. Pour over your boiled beets.
- You should refrigerate everything for at least an hour.
- Plate up to eat or palace in a mason jar for later.
There are a few different ways to make pickled beetroot, this is the quickest and easiest.
4.) Beet Fries!
Yes, you read that correctly! You can turn your beautiful beetroot into mouth-watering fries in a snap!
These can be served as a delicious side dish, weekend brunch option with an easy salad or eaten as a quick snack - the best thing is that they are super simple to make.
Ingredients:
- 2 x Large beetroots
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Method:
- Scrub and peel the beetroot.
- Cut them into 1/2 inch strips.
- Pour olive oil into a bowl with crushed salt and pepper.
- Transfer beets to the same bowl and toss to coat.
- Spread onto a baking sheet.
- Bake them uncovered at 220° until crispy, turning once. Expect 20 to 30mins cooking time.
- Serve with large dollops of mayonnaise.
That's A Wrap!
Cooking with beets might surprise you if you haven't tried it before. From the full flavour, texture, and health benefits they provide to the range of dishes you can use them in; you won't be disappointed.
Grab one of these beetroot recipes and dive into the delicious world of beets!