You can make beetroot soft by steaming it in a steamer basket until it's fork-tender.
Here's a breakdown of how to steam beetroot effectively:
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Prepare the Beetroot: Wash the beetroot thoroughly. You can peel it if you prefer, but leaving the skin on can help retain more nutrients and color. Cut the beetroot into smaller, even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Smaller pieces will cook faster.
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Set up the Steamer: Bring a small amount of water to a rolling boil in a large stockpot. Place a steamer basket inside the pot, ensuring that the bottom of the basket sits above the water level to prevent the beetroot from boiling instead of steaming.
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Steam the Beetroot: Place the cut beetroot pieces into the steamer basket. Cover the pot tightly with a lid.
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Cooking Time: Steam the beetroot until it is easily pierced with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the pieces:
- Smaller pieces: 10 to 15 minutes.
- Medium to large pieces: 20 to 30 minutes.
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Check for Doneness: Periodically check the beetroot's tenderness by inserting a fork. It should slide in easily without resistance when it's ready.
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Cool and Use: Once the beetroot is cooked, carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot. Allow the beetroot to cool slightly before handling. You can now use the soft beetroot in your desired recipe.
