Pickled Beets

Ingredients

• 4 medium beets, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beets:
   • Wash the beets thoroughly, peel, and slice them into rounds or wedges, depending on your preference.
2. Cook the Beets:
   • Place the sliced beets in a pot of boiling water and cook for about 10-15 minutes until they are tender but still firm. Drain and set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Pickling Brine:
   • In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, black pepper, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, garlic, and cinnamon stick (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and salt.
4. Pickle the Beets:
   • Once the brine comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
5. Pack the Beets:
   • Place the cooked beet slices into a clean jar (or multiple smaller jars). Pour the hot pickling brine over the beets, ensuring they are completely submerged.
6. Seal and Store:
   • Seal the jars with lids and allow them to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the pickled beets for at least 24 hours for the best flavor, though they will continue to improve over time.
7. Serve:
   • Serve chilled as a side dish or snack. Pickled beets are great on salads, in sandwiches, or as a tangy complement to any meal!

Enjoy your homemade pickled beets!