Theyre messy, theyre inconvenient, and they taste like dirt. As a result, theyre one of the most hated vegetables in the U.S. And yet, under that thick, dirt-ridden skin, beets have so much to offer — it just takes a bit of skill and knowledge to uncover their potential. Both the bulbs and the greens are full of flavor and nutrients, and if you approach them with an open mind, they can become a vibrant, versatile addition to your diet.
One of the keys to maximizing the flavor of beets is to start with fresh, high-quality produce. Knowing what to look for when buying beets and how to store them properly can make a big difference in the final dish. Additionally, not all preparation methods require peeling, which can save time and add extra nutrients to your meals (not to mention making the dreaded cleanup easier). From roasting and grilling to adding spices and glazes, there are many ways to elevate the flavor of beets. Pairing them with acidic, sweet, and salty ingredients, as well as various spices, can alter your perception of the humble vegetable for the better. So whether youre looking for a savory side dish or a delectable sweet treat, theres a way to enjoy the rich flavor and nutrition of beets in a way that works for you.
Also ingredients like dark chocolate, nuts, coffee or roasted onions have earthy flavors and pair well with beetroot. This could be explained by the presence of ‘pyrazines’, which are aromatic structures formed during the process of roasting ingredients. These pyrazines also contain an earthy smell.
Caramelize them on a grill
Roasting beets seems like the most common method to bring out their natural sweetness. However, theres one unconventional way to caramelize beets: firing up the grill and watching it do its magic. Not only does it intensify their candy-like flavor, but it also imparts a smokiness to them. Additionally, compared to oven-roasting, theres less waste when using the grill, as you wont need any tinfoil.
First, trim the leaves and roots off the beets, thoroughly wash the bulbs, then cut them into wedges or slices. Lightly brush them with oil, season with salt and pepper, and place the beets straight on the grill grates. Cook for about 10-15 minutes on each side or until tender and slightly charred. The key is to use indirect heat by placing the beets on the outer edges of the grill to prevent them from burning. You peel them beforehand or grill them with skins and remove them once they cool down.
Dehydrate them to concentrate the flavor and preserve color
Dehydrating beets is a fantastic way to preserve their flavor and nutritional benefits while giving you more options to incorporate them into your diet. Doing so removes the bulbs moisture, which helps concentrate their flavors and intensify their sweetness. One of the most popular dehydrated beet products is beet chips, and they make a healthy alternative to potato chips and can be used as a snack or a garnish for salads and other dishes. To make your own, slice beets thinly and combine them with the seasoning of your choice before placing them in the oven or a dehydrator until they become crispy.
Beet powder is another creative way to incorporate the benefits of beets into your diet. You can make your own by grinding dehydrated beets in a high-speed blender. As a natural food dye and flavoring agent, it can be added to smoothies, baked goods, and even savory dishes to give them a bright red color and a sweet, earthy flavor.
Beetroot is an incredibly versatile vegetable that comes in many forms, and none is as fun to make as homemade beet noodles. If youre hesitant, let us explain why you need to be spiralizing beets. First, it makes for a visually stunning presentation with minimal effort. Second, prepping them this way creates more surface area, allowing for better sauce or dressing absorption. Plus, beet noodles can be eaten raw or cooked, giving you the flexibility to incorporate them into your favorite dishes. Finally, one large beet can make enough noodles to serve several people as a side dish, and it can even become a fun activity for the whole family. Its an excellent way to get children involved in the kitchen and excited about eating their vegetables. And with their beautiful, bright color, beet noodles can make any dish look more appealing. So if you own a spiralizer already, dont hesitate to work its magic on the humble beets.
Beets 101 – Herbs and Spices That Go With Beets
FAQ
What can I add to beets to make them taste better?
What brings out the flavor of beets?
What fruits pair with beets?
What goes well with beets?
Since you’ve asked what goes well with beets, we thought we’d give you just that. Use these lists whenever you need to know what flavors and ingredients taste good with beets. The following herbs, spices, fruits, vegetables and meats taste good with beets.
Are beets with vinegar nutritious?
Beetroot can be consumed in different ways, such as in salads, juices, or added to preparations, preserves. For a good absorption of its nutrients, the ideal is to associate it with the consumption of vitamin C, such as lemon, orange, cashew.
What spices go well with beets?
Beets go well with warm spices such as allspice, cumin, cinnamon, pepper, paprika and caraway seeds. Additionally, root vegetables like carrots or onions and greens like arugula or celery pair nicely with beets. Creamy ingredients like butter and cream can enhance the mellow flavour of beets while kefir can add a tangy note.
What cheese goes well with beets?
Goat cheese or feta cheese adds an extra tangy kick to the salad, which is great for cutting through the sweetness of the beets without overpowering them. It also adds some creaminess and richness to the salad that can help balance out the saltiness of other ingredients like bacon bits or sunflower seeds.