I love cooking, but there are times when I just don’t have the energy or the time to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for quick and easy recipes that I can whip up in a flash. And one of my recent discoveries is cooking beets in the microwave. Yes, you heard that right. Not only is it a time-saver, but it’s also incredibly easy. Let me share with you my simple method for cooking beets in the microwave.
Preparing the Beets
Gather the Ingredients
Before we begin, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need:
– 4 medium-sized beets
– A pinch of salt
– A tablespoon of olive oil
Washing and Trimming
The first step is to wash the beets thoroughly under cold water. Make sure to remove any dirt or debris that may be clinging to them. Once they are clean, trim the tops and bottoms of the beets to remove any stems or roots. There’s no need to peel the beets at this point; we’ll do that later.
Prepping for the Microwave
Next, we need to prepare the beets for the microwave. Take a microwave-safe dish and place the beets in it. Make sure the beets are evenly spaced, with enough room for the heat to circulate. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the beets, and drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over them. The salt will enhance the flavor of the beets, and the olive oil will prevent them from drying out.
Cooking the Beets
Now that our beets are prepped and ready, it’s time to cook them in the microwave.
Covering the Beets
To ensure that the beets cook evenly and retain their moisture, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Make sure to leave a small vent or opening to allow the steam to escape. If using plastic wrap, gently pierce a few holes in it to prevent any build-up of steam.
Setting the Microwave
Place the dish in the microwave and cook on high heat for 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of your beets. If your microwave has a turntable, make sure it’s turned on to ensure even cooking. If not, you may need to pause and rotate the dish halfway through the cooking time. Remember, microwaves vary in power, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Checking for Doneness
After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the dish from the microwave and check the doneness of the beets. Insert a fork or a sharp knife into the thickest part of a beet. If it slides in easily, the beets are done. If not, cover the dish again and continue cooking in one-minute increments until tender.
Peeling and Storing
Once the beets are cooked to perfection, remove the dish from the microwave and set it aside to cool slightly. Handling the beets while they are still hot may cause burns. Once they are cool enough to handle, use your hands or a paper towel to gently rub off the skin. It should peel off easily, revealing the vibrant and tender beet underneath.
Storing Cooked Beets
If you’re not planning to use the cooked beets right away, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply place them in an airtight container or a resealable bag and pop them in the fridge. The cooked beets can be enjoyed cold in salads, or you can quickly heat them up in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to use them.
Conclusion
Learning how to cook beets in the microwave has been a game-changer for me. It’s a simple and time-saving method that allows me to enjoy the delicious flavors and health benefits of beets without spending hours in the kitchen. So the next time you’re short on time or simply don’t feel like using the stove, give this microwave method a try. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!