I scrub the whole beet. Wash the leaves. Cut off the root and the stem/leaf part. Put about 1 1/2 in. filtered water in a pot. Cut beet in slices. Cut leaves and stems. I do not take the skin off. It has good vitamins. Put it all in the pot,cover with a snug fitting lid, bring to a rapid boil, reduce heat to low boil and simmer till slices are firm but eassy to pierce with a fork. I then add mild vinegar with corn starch disolved in it, bring back to a boil when stirring till beets are glazed. (Harvard beets)If desired a pinch of seal salt.
My mother was thaught in europe and she would discard the leaves, boil the whole beet and then peel them. She would then slice them on the slicer part of a grater. Then back in the pan to add the vinegar/ cornstarch.
We like the left overs just cold as a little side salad or by the regular salad.