How to Cook Beetroot in the Microwave

You have probably enjoyed the sweet, earthy flavor of beetroot more than once, and might have heard that beets are packed with nutrients like folate, manganese, potassium and fiber, and thus should be included in you healthy diet on a regular basis.

Nevertheless beets often get rejected in many kitchens due to the long and often messy process of cooking. While they can take hours to boil or cook in the oven, it takes only a few minutes to prepare beets in the microwave. Microwaving fresh beets preserves more nutrients and it is a much easier and quicker way than cooking them any other way, and less messy too!

If you decide to try and cook beetroot in the microwave, make sure you select your beets correctly. Always use beets that are approximately the same size to ensure even cooking. Look for smaller beets as they are usually more tender than the big ones.

You must also ensure that the container you want to use in the microwave is suitable for the task, and has the right size. An 8 x 8 x 2-inch square glass dish with a lid or a round dish of a similar size in diameter is ideal. It should be enough to fit 7 small to medium beets. Avoid using containers that are too big.

Do not overload the container with beets. Microwaving works best for beets in quantities of up to 1 pound; otherwise, the beets may cook unevenly. It is often faster to microwave two successive batches than it is to cook beets in one batch by a slower method. If you know your microwave oven well enough to get the timing right, the beets always turn out just the way you want.

If you’re cooking beetroot in your microwave for the first time, don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the timing according to the power of your microwave. Enjoy and stay healthy!

1. Select 7 small to medium-size fresh beets for cooking. Trim the beet stems and leaves, but do not peel. Wash the beets thoroughly under cold, running water, you can scrub them with a vegetable brush to clean any dirt or debris.

2. Place the beets in a single layer in a microwave-safe dish with a lid. Pierce beets’ skins in several places to prevent the steam from building up inside the beets and make them explode. Add a small amount of water to the bowl -- about ¼ cup. Cover the dish and microwave the beets on full power on one side for 10-12 minutes.

3. Turn the beets around once from side to side to make sure that they cook through evenly. Microwave for another 10-12 minutes. Check the softness of the beets by piercing them with a fork. Depending on the size of the beets and the power of your microwave, the beets might need cooking for another 5 minutes

4. Place the beets aside to cool for at least five minutes before peeling them. If the beets are fully cooked, the skin should slip off easily. You can rub the skin off with a paper towel or wear rubber gloves to prevent stained hands. If the skin doesn't come loose easily, the beets could use a few more minutes in the microwave. Cooked and peeled beets can be stored in the airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.