Three Chefs Reveal Their Favorite Vegetable, and They All Agree on One

When it comes to choosing vegetables for your meals, the options are seemingly endless. However, many people tend to stick to the same few vegetables, missing out on the opportunity to explore new flavors and textures. One vegetable that often gets overlooked is the humble beet. Despite its vibrant color and earthy taste, beets are not as popular as other root vegetables like carrots and potatoes. To shed light on the versatility and benefits of beets, I reached out to top chefs in Los Angeles who all agreed that beets are their favorite vegetable.

A Brief Background on Beets

Beets have a long history that dates back to the Mediterranean region in the 8th century. Ancient Greeks and Romans were known to enjoy beets and developed techniques to grow them year-round. By the early 1800s, beets made their way to North America through European immigrants and became a staple food due to their long shelf life. Today, beets are widely available and appreciated for their unique flavor and nutritional benefits.

Why Beets Are Better Than You Think

Beets are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients like fiber and potassium. Recent studies have shown that beets can help lower blood pressure, contain antioxidant properties, and even have antitumor abilities. Chefs love beets for their versatility and earthy qualities, making them a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes.

Chef Mindy Oh from the Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles praises beets for their versatility, stating that they can be steamed, grilled, pickled, or eaten raw. Chef Hendrix Vega from Amour in West Hollywood shares fond memories of his grandmother making Borscht with beets and uses them in both desserts and savory dishes. The adaptability of beets makes them a favorite among chefs for experimenting with different recipes.

The Best Ways to Prep Beets, According to Chefs

No matter the type of beet you have—red, golden, or Chioggia—the preparation options are endless. Chef Mazen Mustafa from asterid in Downtown Los Angeles recommends slow-roasting beets for a meaty texture. By wrapping them in foil and cooking them in the oven, beets develop a rich flavor that can be added to stews, soups, salads, or served as a side dish.

Chef Mindy Oh prefers braising beets in the oven or stovetop with water, vinegar, chili flakes, sugar, and salt. This method allows the beets to cook slowly and retain their color and flavor. Chef Hendrix Vega suggests using beet juice as a natural colorant for curing salmon, creating a visually stunning dish with a unique flavor profile.

Even More Ways To Explore Beets

At asterid, Chef Mazen incorporates various cooking methods to create a dish that showcases the versatility of beets. From slow-roasting and brining to smoking and juicing, beets can be transformed into a flavorful and visually appealing dish. With so many ways to enjoy beets, from roasting to juicing, there’s no shortage of creative possibilities to explore.

In conclusion, beets are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that deserves a spot on your dinner table. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to expand your culinary horizons, beets offer endless possibilities for delicious and healthy meals. So next time you’re at the grocery store, be sure to pick up some beets and get creative in the kitchen.