How to Cook Beets

5. Roast the Beets

Roasting brings out the sweet richness of this versatile vegetable. Beets have a high sugar content and roasting them concentrates the sugars and creates more robust flavors. To prepare, wash the beets well. Remove the tops and roots and cut into 1 ½ inch pieces. Place the beets on a double-thickness of foil and drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper or other seasonings. Fold the foil around the beets, making sure to tightly seal the beets. Place the foil-covered beet packets on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 35 to 45 minutes at 400 degrees. After removing the beets from the oven, carefully open the foil and allow the built-up steam to escape from the packets. Slice the beets or serve them whole.