Creamed Beets

This delightful recipe brings together the earthy sweetness of beets with a velvety and flavorful sauce. Creamed beets make for a perfect side dish that complements a variety of main courses. Whether you’re serving a special dinner or adding a pop of color and flavor to a weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress with its vibrant presentation and delicious taste.

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 or 7 medium-sized beets
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of flour
• ½ cup of beet cooking water
• 2 tablespoons of cream
• 2 tablespoons of vinegar
• 2 teaspoons of sugar
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 1 saltspoon of pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Boil and Prep the Beets: Begin by boiling 6 or 7 medium-sized beets until they are tender. This usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the beets. Once the beets are tender, remove them from the saucepan and place them in a bowl of cold water. This will help cool them down for easy handling.
2. Peel and Cube the Beets: Using your hands, gently rub the skins off the beets. The skins should easily come off due to the boiling process. After peeling, cut the beets into half-inch cubes. The cubes provide a pleasant texture and make the beets easy to serve.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a separate saucepan, make the creamy sauce. Start by creaming 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of flour over medium heat. This forms the base of the sauce. Gradually add ½ cup of the water in which the beets were boiled, stirring continuously to create a smooth mixture. Now, add 2 tablespoons of cream, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, 2 teaspoons of sugar, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 saltspoon of pepper to the sauce. Continue to stir the mixture until it thickens and all the ingredients are well combined. The sauce should have a rich and balanced flavor profile.
4. Combine Sauce and Beets: Pour the creamy sauce over the hot beet cubes. The combination of the creamy sauce with the earthy sweetness of the beets creates a harmonious and delightful taste. Gently toss the beets in the sauce, ensuring they are well coated. This step ensures that every bite is full of flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the creamed beets to a heated deep dish or a serving platter. Your creamed beets are now ready to be served as a delightful side dish. They pair wonderfully with a range of main courses, from roasted meats to vegetarian options.

TIPS AND VARIATIONS:

• Fresh vs. Canned Beets: While this recipe uses fresh beets, you can also use canned beets for a quicker preparation. If using canned beets, make sure to drain and rinse them before cubing and proceeding with the recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Texture Preference: You can adjust the size of the beet cubes to your liking. Smaller cubes may result in a smoother texture, while larger ones offer a more substantial bite.
• Herbs and Garnishes: Consider garnishing your creamed beets with fresh herbs like parsley or dill to add a burst of color and freshness to the dish.
• Experiment with Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar to achieve your desired level of sweetness. Taste the sauce as you go and add more sugar if needed.
• Make It Your Own: Don’t be afraid to personalize this recipe by adding ingredients like chopped nuts or crumbled feta cheese for extra texture and flavor.

Creamed beets are a fantastic way to transform this root vegetable into a delicious and visually appealing side dish. The creamy sauce, with its balance of sweet and savory flavors, beautifully complements the natural sweetness of the beets. This versatile recipe can elevate any meal, adding both vibrant color and exceptional taste to your dining experience. Whether you’re a beet enthusiast or new to this delightful vegetable, creamed beets are sure to become a beloved addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the rich and creamy goodness of this classic side dish!