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    You are here: Home » Sides

    Published: Dec 14, 2020 · Modified: Sep 3, 2021 by Saima · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases · This blog generates income via ads.

    Instant Pot Beets

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    beets in bowl

    Instant pot beets make a great side for most grilled or barbecued foods. These beets are pressure cooked whole, peeled and quartered, and tossed in EVOO, Balsamic vinegar, dried tarragon, salt and pepper. The result? Perfectly done, super-delicious beets!

    cooked and dressed beets in a bowl

    The sweet, earthy taste of beets goes so well with most entrees, especially if you're serving up dishes like grilled chicken or meat chops. And if you are vegetarian or vegan, steamed beets in a salad is what you're probably looking at. Either way, the instant pot makes short work of this tough root vegetable. In fact, if I were asked to give just one good reason for owning an instant pot, it would be these instant pot beets! They cook so effortlessly in the instant pot, you won't ever think of doing them on the stovetop again.

    The best part about this recipe is that peeling and cutting the beets is a breeze. The skins come off easily once they're cooked, and your knife will slide through them while quartering them. And then of course, you get to toss them in a beautiful dressing that comes together in literally two minutes. What's not to love?

    Ingredients in these pressure cooker beets

    Note: exact amounts are given in the recipe card further down.

    • Small fresh whole beets, washed and unpeeled
    • Extra virgin olive oil
    • Balsamic vinegar
    • Brown sugar
    • Dried tarragon
    • Sea salt
    • Black pepper, ground
    • Fresh parsley

    How to make instant pot beets

    1. Pressure cook the beets - Pour 1.5 cups plain water in the inner steel insert of your instant pot and place a steamer basket (affiliate link) or trivet in it. Arrange the beets on the steamer basket. Secure the lid and pressure cook the beets for 13 minutes. When the timer beeps, do a quick release and open the pot. This is what the beets will look like when done.
    beets in a steamer basket in instant pot

    2. Peel and quarter the beets - Remove the steamer basket and let the beets cool down. Once cool enough to handle, remove the skins with the help of a knife (they will peel easily) and cut them into quarters.

    3. Prepare the dressing - whisk the other ingredients (olive oil, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, tarragon, sea salt, and pepper) in a bowl and add the beets. Toss well, top with parsley, and serve warm with your main dish for the day.

    cooked and quartered beets in plate with dressing in bowl

    Some useful tips

    1. Choosing the beets - A few things to remember while choosing beets at the supermarket. One, pick small-sized beets. They are less fibrous and juicier than big beets. They also take less time to cook. Second, hold one in your hand and squeeze gently. Fresh beets are quite firm and should not yield even slightly under pressure. If they do, they aren't the best. Third, the skin should not be wrinkled. Wrinkled skin is a sign that the beets have been sitting around for longer than they should.
    2. Prepping - once you get them home, make sure to scrub the beets under running water to rid them of the soil or dirt stuck to the skins. You will be steaming them whole in your instant pot so clean them well before putting them in the pot. Try not to pierce the skin though while cleaning since you don't want too much juice leaking out in the pot while they're cooking.
    3. How to avoid beet stains - wear disposable kitchen gloves while peeling and quartering beets and wipe off stains right away with a damp cloth if the juice gets on the countertop. I like to spread a sheet of newspaper or plastic on my work surface as I hate cleaning up the red stains afterwards.

    More beet recipes you might like

    1. Beetroot sabzi - an Indian-style dish that goes well with naan bread or rice. Grated beets are cooked in onions, tomatoes, and spices.
    2. Beetroot raita - a cooling yogurt dip that is the perfect side for spicy Indian mains.
    Beets in a bowl
    dressed beets in bowl

    instant pot beets

    Saima Zaidi
    Instant pot beets make a great side for most grilled or barbecued foods. These beets are pressure cooked whole, peeled and quartered, and tossed in EVOO, Balsamic vinegar, dried tarragon, salt and pepper.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Course Side
    Calories 104.3 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 6 small whole beets unpeeled and washed
    • 3 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 3 teaspoon Balsamic vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon packed brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
    • salt to taste
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper ground
    • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley

    Instructions
     

    • Pour 1.5 cups plain water in the inner steel insert of your instant pot and place a steamer basket or trivet inside it. Arrange the beets on the basket and secure the lid. Make sure the steam release vent is on 'sealing.' Press the pressure cooking button (high) and set the timer to 13 minutes. When the timer beeps, do a quick release by turning the steam release vent to 'venting' and open the pot. Remove the steamer basket and let the beets cool down a bit. 
    • Peel and quarter the beets with a knife and set them aside.
    • Whisk the olive oil, Balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, tarragon, salt, and pepper in a bowl and add the beets. Toss until well coated. Top with chopped parsley and serve warm.

    Notes

    1. Make sure to wash the beets well under running water to get rid of the dirt and debris.
    2. Choose small, firm, and unwrinkled beets for best results.
    3. Wear disposable kitchen gloves while peeling and quartering the beets to avoid stains on your fingers. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 104.3kcalCarbohydrates: 10.3gProtein: 1.3gFat: 7.3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5.8gSodium: 181.5mgFiber: 3.5g
    Keyword instant pot beets, pressure cooker beets
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Hi, I'm Saima! I live in Alberta, Canada with my husband and twin boys. My most favorite things are long summer days, ice cream and reading books. Welcome to my blog!

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