Cooking Beets in an Instant Pot: Best Time and Easy Methods

As a seasoned cook and avid user of my Instant Pot, I often find myself experimenting with different recipes and cooking times. One vegetable that I’ve recently fallen in love with is beets. Not only are they packed with nutrients, but they also add a vibrant pop of color to any dish. However, cooking beets can be a bit time-consuming. That’s why I decided to put my Instant Pot to the test and find out the quickest and most efficient way to cook beets to perfection.

If you’re like me and love the convenience of the Instant Pot, you may be wondering how long it takes to cook beets in this magical kitchen appliance. Well, I’m here to share my findings. After numerous trials and taste tests, I’ve discovered the perfect cooking time for beets in the Instant Pot. By following my simple instructions, you’ll be able to enjoy tender, flavorful beets in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods.

Benefits of Cooking Beets in an Instant Pot

When it comes to cooking beets, using an Instant Pot can provide a range of benefits. As an experienced cook and Instant Pot user, I have discovered the advantages of using this versatile kitchen appliance to prepare beets. Here are a few reasons why cooking beets in an Instant Pot is a great choice:

1. Time Efficiency: One of the main benefits of using an Instant Pot is the significant reduction in cooking time. Compared to traditional cooking methods like oven roasting or boiling, the Instant Pot can cook beets in a fraction of the time. Instead of waiting for hours for your beets to cook, you can have tender and flavorful beets on your table in just minutes.

2. Retained Nutrients: When cooking beets in an Instant Pot, the tight-sealed lid and pressure cooking method help retain the essential nutrients found in these vibrant root vegetables. Unlike boiling or steaming, where nutrients are lost to the cooking liquid, the Instant Pot preserves more of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants present in beets.

3. Enhanced Flavor: Cooking beets in an Instant Pot allows for a more concentrated flavor compared to other cooking methods. The pressure cooking process helps infuse the beets with flavors while maintaining their natural sweetness. The result is a richer and more intense taste, elevating your dishes to a whole new level.

4. Versatility: An Instant Pot is not only great for cooking beets but also offers a wide range of cooking functions. You can easily switch from cooking beets to preparing other dishes without needing multiple appliances. From soups and stews to rice and desserts, the Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen workhorse.

By utilizing an Instant Pot to cook beets, you can save time, retain more nutrients, enhance flavor, and enjoy the convenience of a multi-purpose appliance. Whether you’re a busy home cook or a health-conscious individual, incorporating an Instant Pot into your cooking routine can revolutionize the way you prepare beets and other delicious meals.

Preparing the Beets

Before cooking the beets in an Instant Pot, it’s important to properly prepare them. Follow these simple steps to get your beets ready for cooking:

1. Trimming: Start by trimming off the leafy greens from the beets, leaving about an inch of the stem intact. This will prevent the nutrients from seeping out during cooking and maintain their vibrant color.
2. Washing: Thoroughly wash the beets under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. You can use a vegetable brush to gently scrub the skin if needed. Remember to handle the beets with care, as they can stain your hands and countertops.
3. Peeling (optional): If you prefer to cook your beets without the skin, you have the option to peel them before cooking. To do this, use a vegetable peeler or a knife to remove the skin from the beets. However, keep in mind that leaving the skin on helps to retain more nutrients and flavor.
4. Cutting: Depending on your preference and the recipe you’re using, you can either leave the beets whole or cut them into smaller pieces. If you’re cooking larger beets, it’s recommended to cut them into evenly sized chunks to ensure even cooking.

Now that the beets are prepared, you’re ready to cook them in your Instant Pot. With the right preparation, your beets will cook to perfection, resulting in delicious and nutritious meals. So let’s move on to the next step: cooking the beets in an Instant Pot.

Setting up the Instant Pot for Cooking Beets

When it comes to cooking beets in an Instant Pot, getting the settings right is key to achieving perfectly cooked and flavorful beets. Let me walk you through the steps to set up your Instant Pot for cooking beets.

1. Add water to the Instant Pot: Start by adding about 1 cup of water to the inner pot of your Instant Pot. This will create the steam necessary to cook the beets.
2. Place the trivet: The trivet is a metal rack that comes with the Instant Pot. It helps to elevate the beets above the water, preventing them from becoming watery. Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot, making sure it sits securely.
3. Prepare the beets: As I mentioned earlier, it’s important to properly prepare the beets before cooking them. Trim off the leafy greens, wash the beets thoroughly under running water, and optionally peel them using a vegetable peeler. Cutting the beets into smaller, uniform pieces will ensure even cooking.
4. Arrange the beets: Now, place the prepared beets on the trivet inside the Instant Pot. You can stack them if needed, but make sure they are not packed too tightly to allow for proper steam circulation.
5. Close the Instant Pot: Place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure it is properly sealed. Set the steam release valve to the sealing position. This will create pressure inside the Instant Pot, allowing for faster cooking.

Now that your Instant Pot is set up, it’s time to program it to cook the beets. Stay tuned for the next section to learn about the optimal cooking time for beets in an Instant Pot.

Cooking Time and Settings for Beets in an Instant Pot

When it comes to cooking beets in an Instant Pot, the cooking time and settings can vary depending on the size and thickness of the beets. However, I have found a general guideline that works well for most situations.

For whole beets, I recommend cooking them on high pressure for around 20-25 minutes. This cooking time ensures that the beets are perfectly tender and easy to peel. If you prefer a softer texture, you can increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

If you’re cooking beets that have been cut into smaller pieces, such as quarters or cubes, you can reduce the cooking time to around 10-15 minutes. This shorter cooking time is sufficient to cook the beets through while still retaining their vibrant color and nutrients.

In terms of the settings on your Instant Pot, you’ll want to use the high-pressure setting for cooking beets. This setting allows the beets to cook evenly and thoroughly, resulting in perfectly cooked beets every time. Keep in mind to set the steam release valve to the sealing position to ensure proper pressure buildup during the cooking process.

Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release of pressure for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. This additional resting time helps to further tenderize the beets and allows the flavors to fully develop.

Remember, these cooking times and settings are just a starting point. Adjust them based on your own preferences and the specific needs of your recipe. With a little trial and error, you’ll discover the perfect cooking time and settings for cooking beets in your Instant Pot.

Releasing the Pressure and Checking the Doneness

After the cooking time is complete, it’s important to release the pressure and check the doneness of the beets. This ensures that they are cooked to perfection and ready to be enjoyed in your favorite dishes.

To release the pressure in the Instant Pot, you have two options: natural release or manual release. When using the natural release method, simply let the Instant Pot sit for about 10 minutes after the cooking time is up. This allows the pressure to release slowly on its own. After the 10 minutes, you can manually release any remaining pressure by turning the steam release valve to the venting position. Be cautious when doing this, as hot steam will be released.

If you prefer a quicker release, you can opt for the manual release method. To do this, carefully turn the steam release valve to the venting position immediately after the cooking time is up. Be sure to use a long-handled utensil to avoid any burns from the hot steam.

Once the pressure has been released, it’s time to check the doneness of the beets. The easiest way to do this is by inserting a fork or knife into the beets. They should be tender and easily pierced. If they are still too firm, you can return them to the Instant Pot and cook for an additional few minutes on high pressure.

Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the beets, so it’s important to check for doneness to ensure they are cooked to your desired consistency. Once they are tender, you can remove them from the Instant Pot and use them in a variety of delicious recipes.

Now that your beets are cooked to perfection, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy their rich, earthy flavor. Whether you use them in salads, soups, smoothies, or even as a standalone side dish, your Instant Pot-cooked beets will surely be a hit. So go ahead and savor the benefits of cooking beets in an Instant Pot – time efficiency, retained nutrients, enhanced flavor, and endless culinary possibilities.

Cooling and Peeling the Cooked Beets

Once the cooking time for the beets in the Instant Pot is complete, it’s important to let them cool down before handling them. This allows the beets to become easier to peel and prevents burns from the hot steam.

To cool the beets, carefully remove the lid of the Instant Pot, taking caution to avoid any steam escaping. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer the beets from the pot to a clean plate or cutting board. Give them a few minutes to cool down naturally, or if you’re in a hurry, you can run them under cold water to speed up the process.

As the beets cool, you’ll notice that their skin becomes loose and wrinkly. This is a good indication that they are ready to be peeled. To peel the beets, simply use your fingers or a small paring knife to gently rub or scrape off the skin. The skin should come off easily, revealing the vibrant and tender flesh underneath.

Alternatively, if you prefer not to peel the beets, you can simply give them a quick rinse to remove any loose dirt or debris. The skin of beets is edible and offers additional nutrients and fiber. However, keep in mind that some recipes may call for peeled beets for a smoother texture or presentation.

Once the beets are peeled to your liking, you can slice, dice, or use them whole in your favorite recipes. The beets are now ready to be incorporated into salads, roasted vegetable medleys, soups, or even made into a delicious beet hummus. The possibilities are endless!

Remember that cooked beets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes them a convenient and versatile ingredient to have on hand for quick and nutritious meals throughout the week.

And now that the beets are perfectly cooked and ready to be enjoyed, let’s explore some delicious ways to incorporate them into your culinary repertoire.

Serving and Storing the Cooked Beets

Once the beets are perfectly cooked and ready to be enjoyed, it’s time to think about how to serve them and properly store any leftovers. Here are some tips to make the most of your deliciously cooked beets:

Serving Suggestions:

• Salads: Add a pop of color and earthy sweetness to your salads by incorporating the cooked beets. Slice them thin for a beautiful presentation or dice them into bite-sized pieces for a more blended texture.
• Roasted Vegetable Medleys: Combine the cooked beets with other roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes for a flavorful side dish or a hearty vegetarian main course.
• Soups: Puree the cooked beets and blend them into your favorite soups for a rich and velvety texture. They add depth and complexity to any soup, whether it’s a classic borscht or a creamy beet and potato soup.
• Beet Hummus: Get creative and transform your cooked beets into a vibrant and healthy dip. Simply blend them with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice for a flavorful twist on traditional hummus.

Storing Tips:

• Once the beets are cooked, allow them to cool down completely before storing them.
• Place the cooked beets in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.
• Cooked beets can be stored for up to 5 days, so they make a convenient ingredient to have on hand for meal prep or quick and nutritious meals throughout the week.
• If you prefer to peel the beets before storing, make sure to do so before placing them in the fridge.
• To prevent any moisture buildup, line the container with a paper towel or use a perforated container to allow air circulation.

Tips on How Long to Cook

Cooking beets in an Instant Pot offers numerous benefits, such as saving time, preserving nutrients, enhancing flavor, and providing versatility. By following a few simple steps, you can easily prepare and cook beets to perfection in your Instant Pot.

To begin, make sure to properly prepare the beets by trimming off the greens, washing them thoroughly, and optionally peeling and cutting them. Setting up the Instant Pot involves adding water, placing the trivet, arranging the beets, and sealing the lid.

The cooking time and settings for beets in an Instant Pot may vary depending on their size and thickness. Whole beets typically require 20-25 minutes on high pressure, while smaller pieces can be cooked for 10-15 minutes. It’s important to release the pressure and check the doneness of the beets after cooking.

Allow the beets to cool before handling them to make peeling easier and prevent burns. Once cooled, the skin can be easily removed, revealing the vibrant, tender flesh underneath. Alternatively, you can leave the skin on for added nutrients and fiber.

Cooked beets can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, roasted vegetable medleys, soups, and even beet hummus. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them a convenient ingredient for quick and nutritious meals throughout the week.

Now that you know how to cook beets in an Instant Pot, it’s time to explore