A Quick and Efficient Guide

Cooking beets doesn’t have to be a time-consuming or messy process. I’ve got a foolproof method that I follow every time and am sharing how to cook beets in the Instant Pot. With an electric pressure cooker like the Instant Pot, you can prepare perfectly tender beets in no time. Whether you’re meal-prepping for salads, soups, or side dishes like Beetachi Koshimbir, this method is a game-changer.

Why Eat Beets?

Beets aren’t just delicious; they’re also incredibly nutritious! Packed with essential nutrients like folate, potassium, and vitamin C, they’re great for supporting heart health and boosting immunity.

Beets are also a natural source of dietary nitrates, which can improve blood flow and athletic performance. Plus, their natural sweetness makes them a guilt-free treat!

Why Use the Instant Pot for Beets?

Roasting beets in the oven can take nearly an hour and involves wrapping them in aluminum foil, which isn’t the most eco-friendly option.

The Instant Pot, on the other hand, cooks beets in just 20-22 minutes, including the time it takes to build and release pressure. It’s fast, efficient, and hassle-free!

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Beets in the Instant Pot

1. Prepare the Beets
   • Trim the tops and tails of the beets.
   • Peel the skin using a vegetable peeler.
   • Pro Tip: Red beets can stain your hands. To avoid this, wear gloves while peeling and handling them.
2. Cook the Beets
   • Halve or quarter large beets for even cooking.
   • Place the peeled and cut beets in an insert pan with 1 cup of water.
   • Set the insert pan inside the Instant Pot’s inner pot.
3. Pressure Cooking Settings
   • Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the pressure valve is sealed.
   • Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
   • Allow the pressure to release naturally for 7-8 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
4. Enjoy Your Beets
   • Once the beets are cooked, they’ll be tender and ready to use in your favorite recipes. You can slice them for salads, add them into soups and stews, or enjoy them as a simple side dish like Beetachi Koshimbir.

Zero-Waste Tip

If your beets come with greens, don’t toss them out!

Separate the greens and store them in the refrigerator. Wash them thoroughly before using. They make a delicious addition to stir-fries, stews, or even juices or smoothies.

A Few Final Notes

If your beets are smaller, you can adjust the cooking time to 4 minutes. For larger beets, consider increasing the pressure cooking time to 6 minutes.

The Instant Pot method retains the vibrant color and natural sweetness of the beets without drying them out.

Cooking beets in the Instant Pot is quick, efficient, and makes cleanup a breeze. Once you try this method, you may never go back to roasting or boiling again!