📖 Instructions

1. Prepare the Beet Greens: Thoroughly wash the beet greens under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. A salad spinner can be helpful here. Stack the leaves and use a sharp chef's knife to cut away the thick stems, as they take longer to cook. Roughly chop the leaves into 2-inch pieces. Don't worry if the pieces are not uniform; they'll wilt down during steaming.
2. Mince the Garlic: Peel 2-3 cloves of garlic and mince them finely. Mincing ensures that the garlic flavor is evenly distributed throughout the beet greens. Set aside.
3. Set Up the Steamer: Fill a large pot with about 1-2 inches of water. Make sure the water level is below the bottom of the steamer basket. Place the steamer basket inside the pot.
4. Add Beet Greens: Place the chopped beet greens into the steamer basket, distributing them evenly. Try not to overcrowd the basket, as this can inhibit even steaming.
5. Steam the Greens: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and steam the beet greens for about 5-7 minutes. The greens should be tender-crisp and a vibrant green color. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
6. Check for Doneness: After 5 minutes, use tongs to gently lift a few leaves to check for doneness. They should be easily pierced with a fork.
7. Sauté the Garlic: While the beet greens are steaming, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Keep a close eye on it!
8. Combine and Serve: Once the beet greens are steamed to perfection, carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot using oven mitts. Transfer the beet greens to a serving dish.
9. Dress with Garlic and Oil: Pour the sautéed garlic and olive oil over the steamed beet greens. Toss gently to coat the greens evenly with the flavorful oil and garlic.
10. Season to Taste: Season the steamed beet greens with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust as needed. I like to add a little squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavour!
11. Optional Garnish: For an extra touch, consider garnishing the steamed beet greens with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice or toasted pine nuts for added crunch and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!