Can I cook beets in the slow cooker?

[babybuddha]

I've been buying whole, fresh, raw skin-on beetroot. They are quite clean and have been topped and tailed. I've been steaming them whole in a steel steamer over a pan of boiling water, and find that they take an age and quite a bit of elec.

My question is, is there a way to cook whole beetroot in the slowcooker? I found one suggestion to wrap each beet individual in foil; another person filled the pot with water and did it that way.

Has anyone tried either of the above; or can offer any alternative suggestions? I would prefer to cook 'dry'. All ideas and comments gratefully welcomed

Thanks!

[patty]

I imagine both ways would work. Though I would wrap in parchment paper first then foil. It probably protects them from absorbing too much water as that is what happened when I have cooked Okinawa sweet potatoes and potatoes in a slow cooker. Now I just steam, I found out that worked out best. I purchased a good steaming pot. And it takes about 20 minutes or longer depending on the amount/ contents

Aloha, patty

[JuicerJohn]

I haven't tried this, but if I were doing beets in the slow cooker I would do it the same way as I do potatoes, with no water at all.

For a cooker full of potatoes I allow 6-8 hours, depending on size. I imagine beets would cook to tender oneness in a similar time.

[babybuddha]

Thanks John and Patty I will take a deep breath and just put them whole into the empty pot; as sweet potato method.

Getting a slow cooker when I started this WOE has been a real gamechanger: quiet and gentle cooking really suits me and I have the patience for it lol. If I can add beets to the repertoire I will be very, very pleased

[patty]

I was totally unaware that a slow cooker could be used without water:) I had heard slow cooked potatoes were so good.. but I was so disappointed as they were water logged:) I imagine the beets will be delicious.

Aloha, patty

[JuicerJohn]

Patty, a crock pot full of washed potatoes, 6-8 on low, and enjoy.

If I am making mashed, I add one large peeled onion cut into quarters with the potatoes and just mash the onion right in. So delicious!

[babybuddha]

Patty - I was blue about soggy slow cooked sweet pots for ages Bc steam escapes from the pots when cooking and condenses on the lid and drips down to the bottom of the cooking container, I imagine.

Divine inspiration - I now place a piece of folded kitchen roll (the absorbent quilted paper to clean spills etc) under the potatos, which absorbs excess moisture which then seems to evaporate = dry sweet pots inc the skins

[flowerblue]

Do you peel potatoes before you put them in crock pot?

[JuicerJohn]

I do not peel mine. I just run them under water and scrub them with my hands to remove any loose dirt. Then I pat them dry with a towel and put them in the pot.

[patty]

Amazing I never knew anything could be cooked in a slow cooker without water:) I always was concerned there had to be enough water.

Mahalo, patty

[babybuddha]

Lol lots of revelation on this thread. I cook sweet pots 'dry'. As they come ie whole, skin on. I top and tail the grungy ends off and place them on a mat of absorbent kitchen paper as described.

[skane9041]

When I "bake" my potatoes in the crockpot I also place a thin kitchen towel over the pot before I put the lid on. It soaks up the steam and keeps it from dripping back down into the pot from the lid.

[babybuddha]

Skane, how interesting. I will try the 'paper on top' method as one (minor) inconvenience with 'paper underneath' is that the paper can get a bit crusty and stick to the inner pot.

[skane9041]

Skane, how interesting. I will try the 'paper on top' method as one (minor) inconvenience with 'paper underneath' is that the paper can get a bit crusty and stick to the inner pot.

I actually use a real towel, albeit a thin microfiber "non-fuzzy" one. If you do use the paper towels, you will probably need a couple thicknesses worth.
I love beets, you have inspired me to cook a big batch as soon as I see nice ones at my fruit market.


Sandi

[babybuddha]

Hi Sandi - reporting in on 'paper on top' gives a good result; possibly cleaner and easier than paper underneath The bottom of the inner pot of the slow cooker has less 'gunge' and the potato itself is very dry - a better result from that point of view

Beets later!! Enjoy yours, hope you find some