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Cranberry Orange Slow Cooker Beets

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Cranberry Orange Slow Cooker Beets

Get ready to transform ordinary beets into an extraordinary culinary experience that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Cranberry Orange Slow Cooker Beets recipe is not just another side dish – it's a vibrant, sweet-tangy masterpiece that will elevate your meal from mundane to magnificent. With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, you'll create a stunning dish that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant kitchen, all while filling your home with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone asking, "What are you cooking?"

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. 4 medium beets, peeled and cubed
  2. 1 cup fresh cranberries
  3. 1/2 cup orange juice
  4. 1/4 cup brown sugar
  5. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  6. Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly wash and peel the beets, then carefully cube them into approximately 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
  2. Prepare a slow cooker by lightly greasing the interior with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Place the cubed beets into the slow cooker, spreading them evenly across the bottom of the cooking vessel.
  4. Add fresh cranberries directly over the beets, distributing them uniformly.
  5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  6. Pour the prepared liquid mixture over the beets and cranberries, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
  7. Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, allowing the beets to cook slowly for 4 hours until they become tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  8. Occasionally stir the beets gently halfway through cooking to ensure even caramelization and prevent sticking.
  9. Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
  10. Serve warm as a side dish, garnishing with fresh orange zest or chopped herbs if desired.

Tips

  1. Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select firm, smooth beets without any soft spots or blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
  2. Peeling Hack: Wear disposable gloves when peeling beets to prevent staining your hands.
  3. Even Cutting: Ensure all beet cubes are roughly the same size to guarantee uniform cooking.
  4. Liquid Balance: Don't skip the orange juice – it helps tenderize the beets and adds a bright, citrusy note.
  5. Low and Slow: Resist the temptation to increase the heat. Slow cooking allows flavors to develop and beets to become perfectly tender.
  6. Stirring Technique: When stirring midway through cooking, use a gentle folding motion to prevent breaking the beet pieces.
  7. Optional Enhancements: For extra depth, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of fresh thyme.
  8. Serving Suggestion: These beets are fantastic served warm, but they're equally delicious chilled as a salad component.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 110kcal

Carbohydrates: 25g

Protein: 2g

Fat: g

Saturated Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

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