HOW TO COOK BEET GREENS IN THE INSTANT POT

Did you know that the leafy part of beets are both delicious and incredibly nutritious? This guide will teach you how to cook beet greens in the Instant Pot so you can enjoy them with minimal effort and in just a few minutes.

So, you’ve just come home from the grocers with a lovely bunch of fresh beets, with a plan to make a recipe with the juicy, sweet, red beetroots. But what about the leaves? In the garbage or compost? Not anymore! Did you know that beets are one of the few vegetables where the whole plant is edible? That’s right! It is a pity to waste the leaves, considering their taste is mild and earthy, almost exactly like spinach when it is cooked, and they are also extremely healthy. You just need to know how to cook them properly. With this easy-to-follow guide, you will learn how to cook beet greens in the Instant Pot and be able to enjoy this delectable treat at any time.

CLICK HERE FOR INSTANT POT BEETROOT RECIPE

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WHY YOU WILL LOVE TO COOK BEET GREENS IN THE INSTANT POT

• Delicious! Beet greens have a mild, earthy flavour, very similar to spinach. A little extra virgin olive oil and a dash of sea salt brightens the taste. This will become your new favourite side dish.
• Fast! Prepping the beet leaves takes just a few minutes. The Instant Pot is the perfect kitchen appliance for cooking greens as it cooks them perfectly in little time. It’s on your table, ready to eat, from start to finish in about 15 minutes.
• Healthy! One of the reasons that the Mediterranean Diet is world-renowned as being one of the most nutritious cuisines on the planet is because of the abundance of vegetables and extra virgin olive oil in the dishes. Extra virgin olive oil contains a high number of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Cooked leafy greens may strengthen the immune system and protect against diseases due to their immense nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, fibre, iron, and antioxidants.
• Budget-Friendly! Beets are relatively inexpensive and are easy to find at most supermarkets. They are also easy to grow in a home vegetable garden. This recipe uses the leafy green part of beets that some people discard simply because they are unaware that it is not only edible but also delicious, so you get two items in one!
• Plant-based! This recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan. It is perfect for people following a plant-based diet, adding to “Meatless Mondays”, practicing Lent, or who are simply trying to add more vegetables to their diet. A diet rich in plant-based food is associated with an incredible amount of health benefits. It is also great for the environment as plant-based food has a smaller environmental footprint than meat-based agriculture. In addition, since you can consume both the beet greens and beetroot, there is zero waste!

A VEGETABLE LOVED BY ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS

Greeks have traditionally always loved beets. There is recorded evidence of beets being cultivated in ancient Greece thousands of years ago. Interestingly, they were grown mostly for their edible leaves. It wasn’t until the ancient Romans came along that people started regularly consuming the beetroot. For thousands of years, beets have been a staple in the Mediterranean diet. Both the beetroot and leafy greens are now celebrated in the cuisine as Greek people aren’t ones to waste food or pass up something that is incredibly nutritious!

WHY YOU SHOULD ADD BEET GREENS TO YOUR DIET

Besides being delicious, beet greens are considered a “superfood” due to their high nutritional components. Beet greens are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, K, calcium, and iron, which supports many functions in the body, including immunity, eye, cardiovascular, and bone health. The high antioxidant content in beet greens may protect against inflammation and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Beet green leaves are also rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and will make you feel full and satisfied longer. This is great for maintaining a healthy weight.

Overall, incorporating beet green leaves into your diet can provide a boost to your overall health and well-being.

NEGATIVE POINTS ABOUT EATING BEET GREENS!

Whilst beet leaves are an incredibly healthy vegetable, they are also a good example of “you CAN have too much of a good thing”.

Beetroots and their leaves have a high oxalate content, so people with certain health conditions, such as kidney disease or kidney stones, may need to limit their beet consumption. Individuals with low blood pressure should also be cautious, as the nitrates in beets can further lower blood pressure. Pregnant women should limit their beet consumption and consult their healthcare provider before consuming large amounts, as excessive nitrate intake may affect fetal development.

A little extra surprise: The pigment that makes beets a vibrant red colour, may also turn your pee and poop red, so don’t be surprised if this side effect happens to you. This happens to a lesser extent with the beet greens compared to the beetroots, but it is still common for many people.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO COOK BEET GREENS IN THE INSTANT POT

1. Remove the beet leaves by twisting or cutting them just above the beet root.
2. Cut off the thick bases of the stalks. Leave the thinner, middle part of the stems and the leaves in one piece.
3. Add the leaves to a large bowl of cool water and rub them with your hands with slight friction to remove dirt. Drain the water and continue rinsing with new water in the bowl until the water is clear.
4. Add 1/2 cup of warm water to the liner of the Instant Pot. Add the beet greens into the liner.
5. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and turn the release valve to the closed position. Set the manual pressure cook timer to 2 minutes.
6. When the cooking is complete, carefully turn the pressure release valve to allow for a Quick Pressure Release. Carefully turn and remove the lid once the pressure is released.
7. Carefully remove the greens from the Instant Pot with tongs or a fork and place them in a shallow bowl. Be careful with the surface that you choose to do this on, as it can get messy, and beet leaves have red pigment that may splash and stain surfaces easily.
8. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a dash of sea salt. Cut into smaller, bite-sized pieces and serve warm or cool. Smile and enjoy!

HOW TO SERVE COOKED BEET GREENS

Traditionally, cooked beet leaves are served as a simple salad in Greece, accompanied by their cooked and seasoned beetroots. They are simply seasoned with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a dash of sea salt. This dish pairs well as a side to accompany any meat, chicken, and especially seafood dish.

Another more seasoned recipe would be to add thinly sliced garlic as well as a small splash of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar to the greens, in addition to the olive oil and sea salt.

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVER INSTANT POT COOKED BEET GREENS

Store leftover Instant Pot Cooked Beet Greens in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I do not recommend freezing them as it will slightly compromise their texture.

TRY THESE DELICIOUS INSTANT POT VEGETABLE RECIPES NEXT!

CLICK HERE FOR THE INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO ON TIKTOK

CLICK HERE FOR THE INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

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