Steamed Beets: A Delicious and Healthy Way to Enjoy this Vibrant Vegetable
Page Contents
Steamed Beets
Beets are one of the most colorful and nutritious vegetables you can find. With their deep red color, sweet flavor, and numerous health benefits, they are a great addition to any diet. However, cooking beets can be a bit of a challenge, as they can be tough to prepare.
But fear not, as steaming beets is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this vibrant vegetable.
Steaming beets is a gentle cooking method that helps retain their natural flavor and nutrients. It’s also a great way to cook them without adding any fat, making it a healthy option for those watching their weight or trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at steaming beets, including how to prepare them, why they’re so healthy, and some delicious ways to enjoy them.
How to Steam Beets
Steaming beets is a simple process that doesn’t require a lot of equipment or time. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by washing your beets thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Trim off the greens and the long root at the bottom of the beet
- Cut your beets into quarters or eighths, depending on their size. As a result, it cooks more evenly and faster
- Place your beets in a steamer basket and set them over a pot of boiling water. Do not allow water to touch the bottom of the basket
- Cover the pot with a lid and steam the beets for 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the size and freshness of your beets
- Once your beets are cooked, remove them from the steamer basket and let them cool for a few minutes before peeling. The skins should come off easily with a vegetable peeler
And that’s it! Your steamed beets are ready to enjoy.
Why Steamed Beets are Healthy
Beets are one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat, and steaming them is a great way to preserve their many nutritional benefits. Here are just a few of the reasons why steamed beets are so good for you:
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Beets are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, potassium, vitamin C, and iron. These nutrients help support a healthy immune system, promote good heart health, and provide energy for your body
- High in Fiber: Beets are also a great source of dietary fiber, which is important for maintaining good digestive health. Fiber helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, which can help you maintain a healthy weight
- Low in Calories: Steamed beets are a low-calorie food, which makes them a great choice for anyone trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet. A cup of steamed beets contains only about 50 calories, making them a great snack or side dish
- Antioxidant-Rich: Beets are also rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants can also help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to several chronic health conditions
Ways to Enjoy Steamed Beets
Steamed beets can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from simple salads to more complex dishes. Here are some ideas to get you excited and pumped to try.
- Beet and Goat Cheese Salad: Toss steamed beets with some crumbled goat cheese, chopped walnuts, and a simple vinaigrette for a delicious and nutritious salad. The creamy cheese pairs perfectly with the earthy sweetness of the beets, while the walnuts add a nice crunch
- Beet Hummus: For a unique twist on traditional hummus, try adding steamed beets to the mix. The beets give the hummus a beautiful pink color and add a slightly sweet, earthy flavor
- Serve with fresh vegetables or pita bread for a healthy snack or appetizer
- Roasted Beet Soup: After steaming your beets, you can blend them with some vegetable broth, onions, garlic, and other spices to create a creamy and flavorful soup. Add some cream or coconut milk for extra richness and serve with a crusty slice of bread
- Beet and Quinoa Salad: Cook some quinoa and mix it with steamed beets, chopped cucumber, red onion, and a simple lemon vinaigrette. This salad is a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats and makes a perfect light meal or side dish
- Beet Chips: If you’re looking for a healthy snack, try slicing your beets thinly and roasting them in the oven to create crispy beet chips. These make a great alternative to potato chips and are a fun way to get your kids to eat their vegetables
You can always try these grilled recipes of beets and if you want to know Are Grilled Beets Good For You? You can also make a Roasted Yellow Beets Recipe.
Steamed Beets Recipe
Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for steamed beets:
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized beets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your steamer pot or basket over medium-high heat
- Wash the beets and trim off the greens and long roots at the bottom of each beet. Cut each beet into quarters or eighths, depending on their size
- Place the beets in the steamer basket and steam for 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork
- While the beets are steaming, mix the olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl
- Once the beets are cooked, remove them from the steamer basket and transfer them to a serving bowl. Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic mixture over the beets, then season with salt and pepper to taste
- Toss the beets gently to coat them in the dressing, then serve immediately
This recipe makes a great side dish to accompany any meal. You can also use the steamed beets in other recipes, such as salads or soups. Enjoy!
FAQs
Yes, beets are a popular vegetable in the United States, particularly in the health and wellness community. They are known for their nutritional benefits and can be found at most grocery stores and farmers’ markets across the country.
Steamed beets are a great source of fiber, potassium, folate, and vitamin C. They also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
To prepare beets for steaming, first, wash and scrub them to remove any dirt or debris. Trim off the greens and the root at the bottom of the beet, then cut the beet into quarters or eighths, depending on the size. Place the beets in a steamer basket or pot and steam until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Steamed beets can be served as a simple side dish, or incorporated into a variety of recipes such as salads, soups, and hummus. Some popular ways to enjoy steamed beets in the United States include beet and goat cheese salad, beet and quinoa bowls, and roasted beet soup.
Yes, steamed beets are a popular food among vegetarians and vegans in the United States. They are a great source of nutrients and can be used in a variety of recipes to create healthy, plant-based meals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, steamed beets are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. Steaming beets is a simple and easy cooking method that preserves their natural flavor and nutrients, making them a healthy and tasty vegetable option. Not only are beets packed with essential vitamins and minerals, but they also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve overall health.
Steamed beets can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from simple side dishes to more complex recipes like soups, salads, and even hummus. Their beautiful color and earthy sweetness make them versatile ingredients that can add both flavor and nutrition to any dish. They are also a great way to introduce more vegetables into your diet and help promote a healthy lifestyle.
Overall, steamed beets are a fantastic food to add to your meal plan. Not only are they delicious and easy to prepare, but they also offer a range of health benefits that can help improve overall well-being. So the next time you’re at the grocery store, consider picking up some fresh beets and giving steaming a try. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!
Also do read the following few other related articles you might like them.