How to Cook It: Beets Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch In the Kitchen With Everyday HealthHealthy Recipes How to Cook Beets A Step-by-Step Guide Learn the best way to cook beets to use in recipes, including this bright twist on hummus. By Kelly Kennedy, RDNMedically Reviewed by Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCESReviewed: September 30, 2022Medically ReviewedBeets add vibrant color and nutrition to this Mediterranean dip.Getty ImagesIn spite of all they have going for them — a standup nutritional profile, natural sweetness, and a vibrant hue that should make them a social media darling — beets are not a well-loved vegetable, according to at least one poll, by WDRB. There are many reasons they should be, though. For starters, beets are a good source of fiber, and deliver potassium and vitamin C, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Cleveland Clinic points to beets as an excellent source of antioxidants and an anti-inflammatory food that may decrease the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Beets are also rich in nitrates, compounds that research has found support heart health. Beet greens or leaves are edible, as is the root, which may be golden, white, red, or striped (Chioggia). While they have a similar earthiness to other root vegetables, beets are so naturally sweet, a variety known as sugar beets are used in commercial sugar production, Brittanica notes. Their flavor lends itself well to everything from hummus to beetroot lattes, and they can be boiled, steamed, roasted, or raw. The only potential drawback of beets is preparing them. They can be a little difficult and messy, due to their pigment-containing compounds, known as betelains. But follow these steps to roast beets perfectly every time. How to Cook BeetsPreheat oven to 375 degrees F.Trim off tops and bottoms of beets, reserving beet greens for another purpose, if desired.Thoroughly wash beets with water to remove any dirt. Wrap each beet tightly in aluminum foil and set on baking sheet. Bake until a knife can be easily inserted into the center of the beets, about 45 to 60 minutes.Remove baking sheet from oven. Once cool enough to handle, carefully remove aluminum foil from each beet. Using a paper towel or the back of a spoon, carefully remove beet skin. Then, cut beets to desired size. Getty Images Beet HummusBeets are an easy mix-in to homemade hummus, and their vibrant color adds a stunning pink hue to the dish. The result is a satisfying snack with protein and fiber that will keep hunger at bay and is a great vehicle for veggie sticks.contains Sesame 5.0 out of 4 reviews SERVES 8 CALORIES PER SERVING 165 AUTHORKelly Kennedy, RDNPrintDownloadPinterest PREP TIME10 min TOTAL TIME10 min Ingredients1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed1 roasted beet, skin removed and quartered2 lemons, juiced3 tbsp tahini1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil1 tsp ground cumin3/4 tsp kosher salt Directions1Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth, about 1 minute. Nutrition Facts Amount per serving calories165 total fat13g saturated fat1.7g protein3g carbohydrates10g fiber2.7g sugar2.3g added sugar0g sodium183mg TAGS Sesame, Diabetes-Friendly, Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Anti-Inflammatory, Quick & Easy, Snack Rate recipe Share recipeFacebookTwitterPinterestCopy LinkNEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Diet and Nutrition Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Most Recent in Healthy Recipes Later Meals Increase Hunger Decrease Calories Burned 6 Bugs You Can Eat and Their Health Benefits 5 Cheap and Healthy Recipes to Make With Oats What Happens to Your Cholesterol When You Go on a Keto Diet