Baked Beets

Be careful when preparing fresh raw beetroots for cooking - if the skin is damaged the colour will 'bleed' during baking. For the same reason, do not prod them with a fork to see if they are done, but instead test whether the skin slides off easily.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 10 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4  raw beets, each weighing about 8 ounces
•  butter or  sour cream, to serve

Directions

1. Pre-heat oven to 180°C/ 350°F/ Gas Mark 4.
2. Wash the beetroots but do not trim.
3. Wrap them in greased foil or place in a greased ovenproof dish.
4. Cover tightly and bake for 2½-3 hours.
5. When the beetroots are cooked the skin will slide off easily.
6. Serve with a slice cut off the top, but not skinned, topped with the butter or sour cream and seasoned to taste.