I love cooking and experimenting with different recipes in my kitchen. One vegetable that I recently discovered and fell in love with is red beets. Not only are they delicious, but they are also packed with essential nutrients. However, cooking red beets can sometimes be a time-consuming task. That’s when I stumbled upon a quick and easy method to cook red beets in the microwave. In this article, I will share with you my experience and guide you on how to cook red beets using this method.
Gathering the Ingredients
To begin with, you will need a few basic ingredients to cook red beets in the microwave. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Red beets
You can find red beets in most grocery stores or your local farmers’ market. Look for beets that are firm, with smooth skin and vibrant color. It’s always best to choose smaller beets as they tend to cook more evenly.
– Olive oil
A splash of olive oil will not only add flavor but also help in easy removal of the skin after cooking.
– Salt and pepper
For seasoning, you’ll need a pinch of salt and pepper.
Preparing the Red Beets
Before cooking red beets, it’s important to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Once cleaned, trim off the beet tops, leaving about an inch of the stem intact. This helps to prevent the beets from bleeding color during cooking.
Now, take a microwave-safe dish and add a little water to it. This will create steam, helping to cook the beets evenly and keep them moist.
Next, place the red beets in the dish and cover them with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Make sure the cover is not tightly sealed to allow steam to escape.
Microwaving the Red Beets
Now that the preparation is done, it’s time to cook the beets in the microwave. Follow these steps:
– Setting the time and power
Start by microwaving the beets on high power for about 4 minutes per beet. For example, if you have two beets, microwave them for about 8 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and freshness of the beets.
– Rotating the beets
Once the initial cooking time is up, carefully remove the dish from the microwave and using tongs or oven mitts, rotate the beets. This helps to ensure even cooking. Also, at this point, you can prick the beets with a fork to check their doneness. They should be tender but not too soft.
– Additional cooking time if required
If the beets are not cooked to your desired tenderness, put them back in the microwave and continue to cook in increments of 1-2 minutes until they are fully cooked. Remember to rotate and check for doneness after each additional cooking time.
Finishing Touches
Once the beets are fully cooked, remove them from the microwave and let them cool for a few minutes. You can then easily peel off the skin using your hands or a knife. The skin should come off effortlessly, revealing the vibrant red underneath.
After peeling, slice or chop the beets according to your preference. Finally, drizzle a little olive oil over the beets and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss them gently to evenly coat the beets with the seasoning.
Enjoying the Red Beets
Now that your red beets are perfectly cooked and seasoned, it’s time to enjoy them. You can add them to salads, roast them in the oven, or simply enjoy them on their own as a nutritious and flavorful side dish. Red beets add a pop of color to your meals and provide a multitude of health benefits.
In Conclusion
Cooking red beets in the microwave is a quick and easy method that saves time without compromising on taste. By following the steps mentioned above, you can effortlessly cook these nutrient-rich vegetables. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a delicious and healthy meal, try cooking red beets in the microwave and savor every bite.