Name: Microwaved Beets
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds beets , trimmed, peeled, and cut into 3⁄4-inch pieces; 1/2 teaspoon table salt

Why This Recipe Works

We love sweet and tender roasted beets, but roasting them can take more than an hour, and then you have to factor in the time for cooling and peeling. Is there a faster way to cook beets? Yes, in the microwave. Simply peel the beets, cut them into pieces (whole beets do not cook efficiently in the microwave), put them in a bowl, and add a bit of water to create steam and prevent the beet chunks from drying out. After microwaving for about 12 minutes, stir the beets and continue to microwave for another 12 minutes or until the beets are perfectly tender.

Before You Begin

If you’re using a Pyrex bowl and need to set the hot bowl down, avoid placing it on a cool or wet surface, as it may crack; place it on a dry cloth instead. Wear gloves when peeling and dicing the beets to prevent staining your hands.

Instructions

In largest bowl your microwave will accommodate, stir together beets, 1/3 cup water, and salt. Cover bowl with plate and microwave until beets can be easily pierced with paring knife, 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through microwaving. Drain beets. Serve. (Beets can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.)