Beetroot is a vibrant, nutritious vegetable loved for its sweet, earthy flavor and versatility in the kitchen. If you want to enjoy cooked beetroot without spending hours roasting or boiling, the microwave is your best friend. It’s fast, easy, and keeps the beetroot tender and flavorful. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide on how to cook beetroot in the microwave perfectly every time.
Why Cook Beetroot in the Microwave?
Microwaving beetroot is a fantastic time-saver. Traditional cooking methods like roasting or boiling can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour. In contrast, the microwave can have your beets ready in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. Plus, it’s super simple – no need to heat up the oven or stand over a pot of boiling water.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Beetroot in the Microwave
1. Choose and Prepare Your Beets
– Pick firm, smooth-skinned beets that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
– Trim off the leafy tops and roots, leaving about an inch of stem to help retain moisture and nutrients.
– Rinse the beets thoroughly under cold water, scrubbing gently to remove dirt.
2. Prick or Pierce the Beets
Use a fork to prick the beetroot all over. This allows steam to escape and prevents the beets from bursting during cooking.
3. Place in a Microwave-Safe Dish
– Arrange the beets in a single layer in a microwave-safe bowl or dish.
– Add about 2 to 4 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the dish. This water creates steam, which helps cook the beets evenly.
4. Cover the Dish
Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (loosely to allow steam to vent). If you don’t have a lid, a microwave-safe plate works well.
5. Microwave on High Power
– Cook the beets on high for 10 to 15 minutes. Smaller beets may be done closer to 10 minutes, while larger ones might need up to 15.
– After about 6 to 8 minutes, check the beets by piercing them with a fork. They should be tender but still slightly firm.
– If not done, continue microwaving in 1-2 minute increments until tender.
6. Let Them Rest
Once cooked, let the beets sit covered for about 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time allows the heat to distribute evenly and finishes the cooking process.
7. Peel and Enjoy
– When cool enough to handle, peel the skin off. It should slip away easily-rub it off with your hands, a paper towel, or a vegetable peeler.
– Beets can stain your hands and surfaces, so consider wearing gloves or using a paper towel.
Tips for Perfect Microwave Beetroot
– Uniform Size: Choose beets of similar size so they cook evenly.
– Add Water: Don’t skip adding water to create steam; it makes a big difference.
– Don’t Overcook: Beets continue cooking while resting, so avoid microwaving too long.
– Use a Lid: Covering traps steam and helps cook the beets faster and more evenly.
– Cool Before Peeling: Let the beets cool slightly to avoid burns and make peeling easier.
What to Do with Cooked Beetroot?
Microwaved beetroot is incredibly versatile:
– Slice or dice it for salads.
– Mash it to add natural sweetness and color to dips or spreads.
– Toss it with olive oil, salt, and herbs for a simple side dish.
– Blend into smoothies or juices for a nutrient boost.
– Use in recipes like beetroot hummus, roasted vegetable bowls, or even beetroot brownies!
Why You’ll Love This Method
Microwaving beetroot saves you time and effort while preserving its rich flavor and nutrients. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you want to prepare beetroot quickly without sacrificing taste. Plus, it’s easy to customize the cooking time based on your microwave and beet size.
Cooking beetroot in the microwave is a quick, efficient way to enjoy this superfood. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have tender, flavorful beets ready to enhance any meal. Give it a try and discover how easy and delicious microwave beetroot can be!