Sweetening Up Beets: Easy Tips and Tricks

Beets are a delicious and healthy vegetable that are often overlooked because of their unique taste. Many people are turned off by beets because they can have a slightly bitter or earthy flavor. However, with a few simple tricks, you can make beets taste sweet and enjoyable even for those who are not big beet fans.

One of the best ways to make beets taste sweet is to roast them. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of beets and gives them a caramelized flavor. Simply cut your beets into small pieces, drizzle them with olive oil, and roast them in the oven until they are tender. You can also add a little bit of honey or maple syrup to the beets before roasting for an extra touch of sweetness.

10 Ways to Make Beets Taste Sweet

If you’re someone who thinks of beets as bland, earthy, and lacking in sweetness, then you’ve come to the right place. This root vegetable is packed with nutrition, but if you’re struggling to enjoy the taste, we’re here to help. These 10 tips will help you make beets taste sweet, so you can reap all the benefits with every bite.

1. Roast Them

Roasting beets is an easy and delicious way to bring out their natural sweetness. Simply wash the beets and wrap them in foil before popping them in the oven at 375°F for 45-60 minutes. Once they’re done, the skins will easily peel off and you’ll be left with tender, sweet beets that are perfect for adding to salads or eating on their own.

2. Grill Them

Grilling is another cooking method that can help enhance the natural sweetness of beets. Simply slice them into rounds or wedges, brush with olive oil, and grill for 10-15 minutes until tender. Add a sprinkle of sea salt and enjoy as a tasty side dish.

3. Add Honey

Honey is a natural sweetener that pairs perfectly with beets. To add a touch of sweetness to your beets, try drizzling them with a little bit of honey before roasting or grilling them.

4. Mix with Citrus

Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits can also help bring out the natural sweetness of beets. Try roasting slices of beets with slices of citrus and serve them together for a sweet and tangy flavor.

5. Make a Salad

Beet salads are a great way to enjoy the sweetness of beets. Mix roasted or grilled beets with greens, goat cheese, pecans, and a honey mustard dressing for a flavorful and nutritious salad.

6. Pickle Them

Pickled beets may not be as naturally sweet as their roasted or grilled counterparts, but they are still a delicious way to enjoy this root vegetable. To make pickled beets, simply combine vinegar, sugar, and spices in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add sliced beets and let them pickle in the refrigerator for a few hours before enjoying.

7. Add Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a warming spice that can help balance the earthy flavor of beets. Sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon on roasted beets for a sweet and spicy flavor.

8. Use Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is another natural sweetener that pairs well with beets. Drizzle a little bit of maple syrup on roasted beets to enhance their natural sweetness.

9. Pair with Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is a creamy and tangy cheese that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of beets. Add crumbled goat cheese to your beet salads or sprinkle it on top of your roasted beets for a delicious combination of flavors.

10. Combine with Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are another root vegetable that are known for their sweetness. Pairing them with beets can create a sweet and savory combination that will please your taste buds. Simply roast both sweet potatoes and beets and enjoy them together as a delicious side dish.

In conclusion, beets don’t have to be bland and boring. With these 10 tips, you can enjoy the sweetness of beets and all the health benefits they provide. From roasting to grilling to pairing with sweet ingredients, there are endless ways to make beets taste sweet and delicious.

The 10 ways to make beets taste sweet

Beets are notoriously known for their earthy and bitter taste, which can be off-putting for some people. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to sweeten up these root vegetables to make them more delicious. Here are ten ways you can make your beets taste sweet:

1. Roasting beets with honey and balsamic vinegar

Roasting beets is one of the best ways to bring out their natural sweetness. Add a drizzle of honey and balsamic vinegar to the mix and you’ve got a magical combination. Cut the beets into similar sized pieces, toss in the honey and balsamic mixture, and roast until tender.

2. Boiling beets with apples and cinnamon

This recipe is perfect for those who prefer a soft texture. Boil beets with sliced apples and cinnamon for a unique twist on traditional roasted beets. The apples and cinnamon will add natural sweetness and aroma to the root vegetables.

3. Mixing beetroot with fruit in a smoothie

For a quick and easy way to get your daily serving of beets, blend them into a smoothie with your favorite fruits. Some popular fruits to mix with beets include bananas, strawberries, and blueberries. You can also add yogurt or milk for an extra creamy texture.

4. Grating beets into a salad

If you’re not a fan of cooked beets, try grating them raw into a salad. The crunchiness of the grated beets will add a unique texture to the salad, and the sweetness of the other ingredients will balance out the earthiness of the beets.

5. Baking beets into a dessert

Believe it or not, beets can make a delicious dessert too. Try baking them into a cake or brownies for a healthy and nutritious treat. The beets will add a natural sweetness and moisture to the dessert, while providing nutritional value.

6. Pickling beets with sugar and vinegar

Pickling is a great way to add flavor to beets while also preserving them for later. For a sweet and tangy taste, pickle the beets with sugar and vinegar. Eat them as a snack or use them as a topping for sandwiches.

7. Sautéing beets with onions and garlic

For a savory spin on beets, try sautéing them with onions and garlic. The sweetness of the beets will balance out the bitterness of the onions and garlic, creating a flavorful dish.

8. Cooking beets with orange juice and zest

Another great way to bring out the natural sweetness of beets is by adding orange juice and zest to the dish. The acid in the orange juice will complement the earthiness of the beets, while the zest will add a burst of flavor.

9. Adding beets to sweet and sour dishes

Beets go surprisingly well with sweet and sour flavors. Try adding them to stir-fries, meatballs, or meatloaf for a unique twist on classic comfort foods.

10. Mashing beets with sweet potatoes

For a colorful and sweet side dish, mash beets together with sweet potatoes. The combination of the two root vegetables will create a unique flavor and a beautiful presentation on the plate.

In conclusion, don’t be afraid to experiment with beets in the kitchen. With these ten ways to sweeten up these root vegetables, you’ll be able to enjoy their delicious taste and nutritious benefits.

The Role of Cooking in Sweetening Beets

When it comes to cooking beets, the process can make a big difference in how sweet or earthy they taste. Different methods of cooking can help break down the natural sugars in beets and release their sweetness. Here are some ways to cook beets to make them taste sweeter:

Roasting

Roasting beets is one of the best ways to bring out their natural sweetness. Roasting beets at a high temperature, such as 400°F, not only caramelizes the natural sugars in the beets, but it also intensifies their flavor. To roast beets, start by washing them thoroughly, cutting off the tops and tails, and wrapping them in foil. Place them in a roasting dish in the oven for around 45 minutes, or until they are tender to the touch. Once they are cooked, you can easily peel off the skin, or use a vegetable peeler to remove it.

Steaming

Steaming beets is another great way to cook them, as it can help maintain their natural sweetness. Steaming preserves more of the nutrients in beets than boiling does, and it also helps retain their vibrant color. To steam beets, wash them and cut off the tops and tails. Then, place them in a steamer basket over boiling water and cover the pot. Cook the beets until they are tender to the touch, which should take around 30 minutes. Once cooked, remove the beets from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes before peeling and slicing.

Boiling

Boiling beets is often the quickest way to cook them, but it can also be the least successful at bringing out their natural sweetness. When beets are boiled, some of their natural sugars can leach into the water, making them taste less sweet. To minimize this, it’s important to cook the beets whole, with the skin still on, and to avoid overcooking them. Boil the beets until they are tender, which should take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on their size. Once cooked, remove them from the water and let them cool before slicing or peeling.

Pickling

Pickling beets is a great way to add sweetness to them, as well as other flavors like cinnamon, cloves, and honey. Pickling beets also preserves them for longer, making them a great pantry staple. To pickle beets, start by washing and peeling them, then cutting them into slices or cubes. Make a pickling liquid by combining vinegar, water, sugar, and spices, then bring it to a boil. Add the beets to the liquid and let them cook until they are tender. Once cooked, remove them from the pickling liquid and let them cool. Refrigerate the beets in the pickling liquid for up to six months.

Grilling

Grilling beets is a great way to add a smoky flavor to them while also sweetening them up. To grill beets, start by washing and trimming them, then slicing them into wedges. Brush the beet wedges with a little olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. Place the beet wedges on a preheated grill and cook them for around 10 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly charred. Once cooked, serve the beet wedges as a side dish or use them in salads or sandwiches.

By experimenting with different cooking methods, you can find the one that works best for you and your taste preferences. Whether you prefer the earthy flavor of boiled beets or the sweet caramelized taste of roasted beets, there are many ways to enjoy this healthy and vibrant vegetable.

Wrap It Up

So there you have it, folks! Making beets taste sweet doesn’t have to be rocket science. Just follow these tips and you’re on your way to a deliciously healthy dish. Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and cooking methods to find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds. Thanks for reading and I hope to see you again soon for more tips and tricks in the kitchen!