Beets are a delicious and healthy root vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, roasting, and even grilling. Grilling beets is a great way to add a smoky flavor to this nutritious vegetable, making it a perfect side dish or addition to salads. But the question remains: can you grill beets? The answer is a resounding yes!
Before grilling beets, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you will want to choose the right beets. Look for beets that are firm, smooth, and have a vibrant color. Avoid beets that are wilted, soft, or have spots or bruises.
Next, you will need to clean and prepare the beets for grilling. Start by trimming off the leaves and root ends of the beets, leaving about an inch of stem intact. Then, rinse the beets under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
To grill the beets, you can either wrap them in foil or grill them directly on the grates. If you choose to wrap them in foil, place the beets on a large sheet of aluminum foil and drizzle them with olive oil. Then, wrap the foil tightly around the beets and place them on the grill over medium-high heat. Grill the beets for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
If you choose to grill the beets directly on the grates, slice them into thick rounds or wedges and brush them with olive oil. Then, place the beets on the grill over medium-high heat and grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are tender and have grill marks.
When grilling beets, it’s important to keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Beets contain natural sugars that can caramelize quickly on the grill, so be sure to turn them frequently and monitor their progress.
Once the beets are grilled to your liking, you can serve them in a variety of ways. Grilled beets are delicious on their own, but you can also use them as a topping for salads, pizzas, or sandwiches. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of feta cheese for added flavor.
In conclusion, grilling beets is a delicious and healthy way to add a smoky flavor to this nutritious root vegetable. By choosing the right beets, properly cleaning and preparing them, and grilling them over medium-high heat, you can create a delicious side dish or addition to salads. So next time you’re firing up the grill, consider grilling some beets for a unique and flavorful dish.