How Long to Boil Beets to Puree? Get Perfectly Smooth Results

November 28, 2025 •

3 min read

Boiling beets is a quick and effective method to prepare this vibrant, earthy root vegetable for pureeing. While cooking times can vary significantly depending on the size of the beets, getting the timing right is crucial for achieving a perfectly smooth and velvety puree.

Quick Summary

Boiling time for beet puree depends on beet size, ranging from 20 to 50 minutes. The beets are ready when easily pierced with a fork. It is easiest to peel them after cooking for a silky, lump-free texture.

Key Points

Boiling Time Varies: The duration for boiling beets depends heavily on their size, with smaller beets cooking faster than larger ones.
Use the Fork Test: The most reliable method to check for doneness is to pierce the beet with a fork; if it slides in easily, it is ready for pureeing.
Leave Skins On: It's recommended to leave the skins on during boiling, as they are easier to rub off once cooked and cooled.
Reserve Cooking Water: Keep some of the cooking liquid aside to use when pureeing to achieve the ideal smooth, velvety consistency.
Watch for Staining: Beet juice can stain hands and surfaces; use gloves or a paper towel during handling to protect your skin and countertops.
Peel After Cooking: Cooling the beets slightly after boiling makes the skins slide off effortlessly, simplifying the peeling process significantly.

The Importance of Timing for Puree Perfection

For a perfectly smooth puree, the beets must be cooked until they are completely tender. An undercooked beet will resist the blender, resulting in a grainy or lumpy texture that is not ideal for baby food, smoothies, or smooth sauces. Overcooking, on the other hand, can cause a loss of flavor and nutrients. Therefore, finding the sweet spot is the key to creating a delightful beet puree.

How to Boil Beets Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to ensure your beets are cooked to the ideal tenderness for pureeing:

Prepare the Beets: Start by scrubbing the beets thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim the greens, leaving about an inch of the stem attached to help reduce color bleeding during boiling. Leave the skin on, as it is much easier to remove after cooking.
Add to Pot: Place the scrubbed beets in a large pot and cover with water, ensuring they are fully submerged. For red beets, adding a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice can help them retain their vibrant color.
Bring to a Boil: Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil over high heat.
Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, keeping the pot covered.
Test for Tenderness: Begin checking for doneness after 20-30 minutes by piercing the largest beet with a fork or knife. If it slides in easily without resistance, it is done. If not, continue simmering and checking at 5-10 minute intervals.
Cool and Peel: Once tender, drain the beets and let them cool slightly until they are safe to handle. The skins will easily slip off under cool running water or with the help of a paper towel.
Puree: Transfer the peeled, cooked beets to a blender or food processor. Add a small amount of the reserved cooking liquid, or a liquid of your choice, and blend until completely smooth.

The Fork Test: Your Best Gauge for Doneness

Recipes often provide general time frames, but the best indicator of doneness for beets is a simple fork or knife test. Since beet size and age vary widely, relying solely on a timer is unreliable. A perfectly cooked beet for pureeing will be soft all the way through, with no hard spots. When you're in doubt, cook for an extra 10 minutes to ensure they are fully tender.

Boiling Time Based on Beet Size

To give you a general idea, here is a breakdown of average boiling times based on beet size, assuming they are whole and unpeeled:

Small Beets (1-2 inches): 20-30 minutes
Medium Beets (2-3 inches): 30-40 minutes
Large Beets (3+ inches): 40-60 minutes or longer

Comparison: Boiling vs. Other Cooking Methods


Feature	Boiling (Stovetop)	Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)	Roasting (Oven)
Cooking Time	20-60 minutes, size dependent	Approx. 10 minutes, plus pressure build-up and release	50-90 minutes, size dependent
Nutrient Retention	Some water-soluble nutrients may leach into water	High retention due to minimal water and closed system	High retention, but some degradation can occur with high heat
Flavor Profile	Earthy, sweet, and mild	Concentrated, sweet flavor	Rich, caramelized, and intensely sweet flavor
Color	Retains vibrant color, especially with added vinegar	Holds color well	Color can darken slightly
Cleanup	Generally straightforward, but beet juice can stain	Quick and easy, contained in one pot	Messy, requires foil or parchment paper

Tips for Achieving a Silky Smooth Puree

Reserve Cooking Liquid: Do not drain all the water. The reserved cooking liquid can be added back in small amounts while blending to help achieve your desired consistency.
Choose the Right Equipment: A high-powered blender is ideal for an ultra-smooth texture, but a food processor will also work well. For baby food, blending with a little breastmilk or formula can add creaminess.
Season: Don't forget to season! A little salt added during boiling or blending can enhance the beet's natural sweetness.

Conclusion

Determining how long to boil beets to puree them is less about a fixed number and more about monitoring for fork-tenderness. By correctly prepping the beets, boiling them until they are soft all the way through, and using the right equipment, you can create a perfectly smooth, vibrant, and delicious beet puree. Whether you choose the boiling method for its simplicity or opt for a different technique, the key is proper doneness for a silky final product. For more on the boiling process, check out the detailed guide on How to Boil Beets - A Couple Cooks.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is much easier to peel beets after they have been boiled. The skins will rub off easily once the beets are cooked and cooled slightly, which also helps retain their vibrant color during cooking.

Beets are tender enough for pureeing when you can easily pierce them with a fork or the tip of a knife, and the utensil meets no resistance.

Small beets, approximately 1-2 inches in diameter, typically take about 20-30 minutes to boil until tender.

Yes, reserving a small amount of the cooking liquid is a great way to help achieve a silky smooth texture during the blending process. It also contains some nutrients from the beets.

To prevent beet juice from staining your hands, wear food-safe gloves or use a paper towel to handle the beets when peeling and chopping after they are cooked.

A high-powered blender is ideal for creating an extra-smooth, silky puree. However, a food processor is also an effective tool for achieving a smooth consistency.

Yes, beet puree can be frozen for later use. For convenience, you can freeze it in ice cube trays and then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag for long-term storage.

You can add other ingredients during or after pureeing for enhanced flavor, such as a dash of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, or even an apple for a sweeter taste.