Beets are a versatile and nutritious root vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. While they are often associated with warm, comforting dishes like borscht and roasted vegetable medleys, beets can also be served cold, offering a refreshing and unique twist on traditional recipes. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of chilled beets, exploring their benefits, preparation methods, and delicious serving ideas.
The Benefits of Serving Beets Cold
Serving beets cold can have several advantages. For one, it allows the natural sweetness of the beets to shine through, unmasked by the caramelization that occurs when they’re cooked. Cold beets are also incredibly refreshing, making them perfect for hot summer days or as a palate cleanser between rich, savory courses.
Pickling and Preserving
One of the most popular ways to serve beets cold is by pickling them. Pickling involves soaking sliced or whole beets in a brine solution, typically made with vinegar, sugar, and spices. This process not only adds flavor to the beets but also helps to preserve them, allowing you to enjoy them throughout the year.
To pickle beets, you’ll need:
- 1 cup (250 ml) vinegar (white, apple cider, or white wine)
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) water
- 1/4 cup (60 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (15 g) salt
- 2 tbsp (30 g) pickling spices (optional)
- 2-3 large beets, peeled and sliced or whole
Combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pickling spices (if using) in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the brine has thickened slightly. Pack the sliced or whole beets into a clean glass jar and pour the hot brine over them. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature. Store the pickled beets in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep for several weeks.
Raw Beets
Raw beets can be a delicious and healthy addition to salads, slaws, and other cold dishes. To use raw beets, simply peel and grate or julienne them, then add them to your desired recipe.
Some popular ways to use raw beets include:
- Beet salad: Combine grated raw beets with mixed greens, crumbled goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing and flavorful salad.
- Beet slaw: Shred raw beets and combine them with shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, and a variety of spices for a tasty and crunchy slaw.
- Beet juice: Juice raw beets and enjoy them as a healthy and invigorating beverage.
Cold Beet Recipes
Now that we’ve explored the benefits of serving beets cold, let’s dive into some delicious recipes that showcase their unique flavor and texture.
Cold Beet Soup (Borscht)
Borscht is a classic Eastern European soup that’s typically served hot. However, it can also be served cold, making it a perfect dish for warm weather.
Ingredients:
- 2 large beets, peeled and grated
- 1 large onion, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (250 ml) vegetable or beef broth
- 1 cup (250 ml) sour cream
- 1 tsp (5 g) sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Combine the grated beets, onion, and garlic in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth, sour cream, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour the wet ingredients over the beet mixture and stir to combine. Chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh dill, if desired.
Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
This salad is a perfect showcase for the sweet, earthy flavor of cold beets.
Ingredients:
- 2 large beets, peeled and grated
- 1/2 cup (120 g) crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp (30 g) olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15 g) balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine the grated beets, crumbled goat cheese, chopped walnuts, and chopped parsley in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Pour the dressing over the beet mixture and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Beet and Avocado Salsa
This salsa is a delicious and refreshing twist on traditional salsa recipes.
Ingredients:
- 2 large beets, peeled and diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup (120 g) red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp (30 g) lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine the diced beets, avocado, red onion, jalapeño pepper, and chopped cilantro in a large bowl. Squeeze the lime juice over the top and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Conclusion
Beets are a versatile and delicious root vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including cold. Whether you prefer them pickled, raw, or cooked and chilled, beets are a great addition to any meal. With their sweet, earthy flavor and numerous health benefits, it’s no wonder beets are becoming increasingly popular in kitchens around the world. So next time you’re looking for a refreshing and unique twist on traditional recipes, consider giving cold beets a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
What are the benefits of serving beets cold?
Serving beets cold can be incredibly beneficial, as it helps to preserve the delicate flavor and texture of the vegetable. When beets are cooked and then chilled, they retain their vibrant color and sweetness, making them a great addition to salads, slaws, and other cold dishes. Additionally, cold beets are easier to digest than their hot counterparts, as the cooling process breaks down some of the tougher fibers, making them more accessible to the body.
Another benefit of serving beets cold is that it allows for a wider range of flavor combinations and textures. Chilled beets can be paired with a variety of ingredients, such as tangy cheeses, crunchy nuts, and fresh herbs, to create unique and refreshing flavor profiles. This versatility makes cold beets a great option for chefs and home cooks looking to add some excitement to their dishes.
How do I cook beets before serving them cold?
Cooking beets before serving them cold is a relatively simple process. The most common method is to roast or boil the beets until they are tender, then chill them in the refrigerator. To roast beets, wrap them in foil and bake them in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 45 minutes, or until they can be easily pierced with a fork. To boil beets, place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are tender.
Once the beets are cooked, let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate them until chilled. This can take several hours, depending on the size of the beets and the temperature of the refrigerator. It’s also possible to speed up the cooling process by placing the beets in an ice bath or by using a rapid chiller. Once the beets are chilled, they can be peeled and sliced or diced, and served as desired.
Can I use pickled beets in cold dishes?
Pickled beets can be a great addition to cold dishes, adding a tangy, salty flavor and a crunchy texture. To use pickled beets in cold dishes, simply slice or dice them and add them to your desired recipe. Pickled beets can be used in salads, slaws, and other cold sides, and they pair particularly well with ingredients like goat cheese, walnuts, and arugula.
When using pickled beets in cold dishes, it’s worth noting that they can be quite strong, so a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adding more pickled beets to taste. You can also balance out the flavor of the pickled beets by adding other ingredients, such as sweet or creamy elements, to counteract their acidity.
How do I prevent beets from staining my clothes and surfaces?
Beets are notorious for their ability to stain clothes and surfaces, but there are a few ways to prevent this from happening. When handling beets, wear old clothes or an apron to protect your clothing from stains. You can also wear gloves to prevent the beet juice from staining your skin.
To prevent beets from staining surfaces, use a cutting board or other surface that can be easily cleaned, and cover your work surface with paper towels or a tablecloth. If you do accidentally spill beet juice on a surface, act quickly to clean it up, as the stain can set over time. A mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar can be used to remove beet stains from surfaces.
Can I use cold beets in desserts?
While beets are often thought of as a savory ingredient, they can also be used in sweet dishes, particularly when served cold. Cold beets can add a sweet, earthy flavor to desserts like cakes, cookies, and ice cream. They pair particularly well with ingredients like chocolate, cream, and nuts.
When using cold beets in desserts, it’s worth noting that they can be quite potent, so a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adding more beet puree or juice to taste. You can also balance out the flavor of the beets by adding other ingredients, such as sugar or spices, to counteract their earthiness.
How do I store cold beets in the refrigerator?
Cold beets can be stored in the refrigerator for several days, but they require some special care to stay fresh. Once the beets are cooked and chilled, place them in a covered container or plastic bag and refrigerate them at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.
It’s also important to keep the beets away from strong-smelling foods, as they can absorb odors easily. You can store cold beets in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator, where the humidity is higher, to keep them fresh for longer. Cold beets can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator, but they’re best used within a few days for optimal flavor and texture.
Can I freeze cold beets for later use?
Cold beets can be frozen for later use, but they require some special care to preserve their texture and flavor. Once the beets are cooked and chilled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray and put them in the freezer until frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen beets to a covered container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below.
When freezing cold beets, it’s worth noting that they can become watery when thawed, so they’re best used in cooked dishes or as a puree. Frozen beets can be stored for up to 8 months in the freezer, but they’re best used within a few months for optimal flavor and texture. To use frozen beets, simply thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then use them as desired.