How to Quickly Cook Beets in the Microwave in a Bag

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   How do you cook beets quickly? Get some small beets ready. Say what you will, but five small beets cook faster than one giant "Gigantella"-variety beet. So it's better to leave the oversized ones at the store. Wash the beets thoroughly under running water. Don't trim the ends on either side yet. Get out a roasting bag and a couple of the special clips, if they came with it.

2. Step 2:

   

   Using a knife, prick the beets all over in several places. This helps them cook faster.

3. Step 3:

   

   Pack the beets into the bag and cinch both ends with the clips. If none came with it, just tie the ends in tight knots. Poke a few holes through the top of the bag without piercing the bottom. If you skip this, the bag may later burst with a deafening pop from all the steam building up inside.

4. Step 4:

   

   Set the bag right on the microwave's glass turntable and cook for two minutes at 800 watts.

5. Step 5:

   

   Then pause for about a minute to let the microwave cool down a bit. Turn it back on for another two minutes. And pause again for a minute.

6. Step 6:

   

   To tell whether the beets are done, pierce one with a knife — it should slide in easily. I cooked mine for about 8 minutes, but the time can vary a lot depending on the size and number of beets.

7. Step 7:

   

   When the beets are done, move them to a wire rack and cut the bag open with a knife. Be careful: the bag is full of hot steam — don't scald your hands. Let the beets cool completely, after which they're ready to peel and use.