Beets are a versatile and popular vegetable that can be found in a wide variety of dishes. They are used in both traditional Polish cuisine — such as barszcz czerwony (red borscht) or ćwikła (grated beets with horseradish) — and in more modern, creative compositions like beet carpaccio. It’s worth taking a closer look at them to discover their richness and wide range of uses.

In addition to their culinary versatility, beets are also highly nutritious and beneficial to health. They contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that strengthen the immune system and support overall body function. Beets can be prepared in many ways — fried, baked, or boiled. In today’s post, we’ll focus on how to cook beets properly and share some delicious ideas for dishes featuring them.

Beets in the Kitchen – a Perfect Base for Many Dishes

Beets certainly deserve attention. Their deep color and distinctive flavor have made them a popular ingredient in cuisines around the world. Besides being rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they are low in calories and virtually fat-free — making them an ideal choice for anyone seeking a healthy, balanced diet.

In Mediterranean cuisine, beets often appear as tasty additions to salads or gratins with goat cheese, while in Asian cuisine they can be pickled and served alongside sushi. They pair beautifully with other vegetables, meats, and fish. In Poland, red borscht is undoubtedly the most iconic dish in which beets take center stage. They are the key ingredient of this aromatic soup and give it its signature deep red color. Another classic is ćwikła — grated pickled beets with horseradish.

The culinary possibilities with beets are nearly endless. In addition to boiling, they can be roasted, sautéed, or eaten raw, helping preserve their nutritional value and unique taste.

How to Choose the Right Beets for Cooking

When choosing beets for cooking, it’s important to pay attention to a few key details. The best beets for boiling are usually small and smooth, as they have a more delicate texture and cook faster. Simply peel them and cut them into evenly sized pieces. Be careful not to overcook them, as this may cause a loss of nutrients.

Boil the beets in lightly salted water until they become soft and tender. The cooking time will depend on the size of the pieces — usually between 20 and 40 minutes. The most common variety used for cooking is the red beet, which should have a deep, uniform color. Avoid pale or faded ones, as they may be old or less flavorful.

What Can You Make with Cooked Beets?

Cooked beets make an excellent base for many dishes. They can be used to prepare the classic red borscht — a warming soup perfect for cold days. You can also add them to salads, slaws, soups, or main courses, enhancing both the color and nutritional value of your meal.

Beets also work wonderfully in more creative recipes — such as beet hummus, creamy spreads, or purées. Try experimenting with ingredients like nuts, dried fruit, or aromatic herbs to create unique flavor combinations.

A particularly interesting idea is to use beets in a chocolate cake — a real treat for the taste buds and a clever way to sneak some extra vegetables into dessert. Don’t forget about sautéed beets either: tender vegetables in a light sauce make a perfect, comforting side dish.

Healthy and Colorful – Beets on Your Plate

Cooked beets can be enjoyed in salads, flavorful soups, fluffy fritters, or even sweet desserts. It’s worth experimenting in the kitchen to discover new flavors and broaden your culinary horizons.

Beets are incredibly versatile — they can take the spotlight as the main ingredient or serve as a colorful accent in traditional recipes. Adding them to your daily menu brings healthy, tasty dishes that surprise with their simplicity and vibrant color.

Enjoy exploring the many flavors of beets!