roasting vs microwave+roasting beets
We made a recipe tonight for halibut and beets. It called for cooking the beets in the microwave with some water until tender, peeling and slicing them, then putting them in the pan with the fish to bake at 450F until done. They take more time to cook than the fish, but why not peel and slice, put them in the oven, then add the fish at such a time as they will be done together?
Best Answer
Skipping the microwave step works, I suppose the author of the recipe used the microwave to save time. If you decide to roast the beets directly, keep the following differences in mind:
- Time
Roasting beets in the oven takes significantly longer than parboiling in the microwave. I can't say how long slices take (depends on thickness), but whole beets need 60 to 90 minutes, depending on size. Same reason why some cooks parboil their baked potatoes, then finish them in the oven. - Taste
Roasting beets in the oven will caramelize the sugars in them, making them noticably sweeter than just cooked beets. The long roast will also bring out other flavour components. - Texture
Roasting slices in the oven will likely dry them out somewhat. (I personally would go for wedges, but that's my choice) You either have to live with that or take counter-meassures like covering the dish, adding liquid or oiling the slices.
In short, yes you can skip the microwave step.
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What is the best cooking method for beets?
Steaming beets is a healthful cooking method because the beets retain most of their vitamins and minerals-they're not boiled out in water-and stay incredibly vibrant. Plus, steaming small beets or beet quarters is quick and easy for weeknights.Should you microwave beets?
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.What is the healthiest way to cook beets?
The best way to cook beets to retain nutrients is to steam them. Steaming beets for no longer than 15 minutes is recommended. If you have a steamer, steam them until you can easily insert the tip of a fork into the beets. If you want them to be more tender, slice the beets before steaming them.Which is better roasted or steamed beets?
The trick to successfully cooking beets is to soften them while also concentrating their sweet flavor. Roasting beets can result in something akin to jerky. Boiling them will produce soggy sponges.How To Roast Beets - Clean \u0026 Delicious®
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