Pickled beets are a flavorful and nutritious treat that adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess to any meal. Whether served as a side dish, salad topping, or sandwich ingredient, these vibrant beets bring a burst of color and taste. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, pickled beets are not only delicious but also offer several health benefits. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a perfect batch of homemade pickled beets that you can enjoy for weeks.
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized fresh beets
- 1 cup white vinegar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup water
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beets
- Wash the beets thoroughly under running water to remove dirt.
- Trim the stems and roots but avoid peeling them, as this helps retain their vibrant color.
- In a large pot, add water and place the beets inside.
- Bring the water to a boil and let the beets cook for about 30–40 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Peel and Slice the Beets
- Once the beets are cooked, drain them and allow them to cool slightly.
- Using a paper towel or your hands, gently rub off the skin. It should come off easily.
- Slice the beets into thin rounds, wedges, or julienne strips based on your preference.
3. Prepare the Pickling Brine
- In a medium saucepan, combine white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, cinnamon, cloves, black peppercorns, and a bay leaf.
- Add 1 cup of water and stir well to dissolve the sugar and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
4. Pack the Jars
- Sterilize glass jars by washing them in hot water and drying them properly.
- Fill each jar with the sliced beets, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top.
- Carefully pour the hot pickling brine over the beets until they are fully submerged.
- Tap the jars lightly to remove any trapped air bubbles.
5. Seal and Store
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure a proper seal.
- Secure the lids tightly and let the jars cool at room temperature.
- Once cooled, store them in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before consuming to allow the flavors to develop.
- For longer storage, process the jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes.
6. Enjoy Your Pickled Beets
- Serve pickled beets as a side dish, in salads, on sandwiches, or as a colorful addition to cheese platters.
- Enjoy their sweet, tangy, and slightly spiced flavor with every bite!
This easy homemade pickled beets recipe ensures a perfect balance of flavors while keeping the process simple and effective. Make a batch today and elevate your meals with this delicious, nutritious delight!