Introduction
Looking for a healthy and delicious way to add some vibrant color and nutrients to your diet? Look no further than this super easy and great-tasting pickled beets recipe! Pickled beets are a fantastic source of fiber, folate, potassium, and antioxidants. Plus, they’re naturally sweet and tangy, making them a delightful addition to salads, sandwiches, or enjoyed straight from the jar.
This recipe simplifies the pickling process, making it accessible even for beginner cooks. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can transform simple beets into a flavorful and nutritious treat. Get ready to experience the goodness of homemade pickled beets!
Making the Best Pickled Beets: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds fresh beets, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or honey for a healthier option)
- 1 tablespoon pickling spice (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns (optional)
- 1-2 cloves garlic, crushed (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions: From Beets to Jar
- Boil the Beets: Place the beets in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces through the beets. The cooking time depends on the size of your beets.
- Cool and Peel: Drain the beets and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, gently rub the skins off with your fingers. The skins should slip off easily.
- Slice or Dice: Cut the peeled beets into your desired shape โ slices, dices, or wedges.
- Prepare the Pickling Brine: In a saucepan, combine the water, vinegar, sugar (or honey), pickling spice (if using), salt, peppercorns (if using), and garlic (if using). Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
- Pack the Jars: Pack the sliced or diced beets into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Pour the Brine: Carefully pour the hot pickling brine over the beets, ensuring they are completely submerged. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Remove Air Bubbles: Gently tap the jars on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Process (Optional): For long-term storage, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude). If you plan to refrigerate the pickled beets and consume them within a few weeks, this step is not necessary.
- Cool and Store: Let the jars cool completely. If processed, check the seals. Refrigerate any unsealed jars. Pickled beets will taste best after they’ve had a chance to sit in the brine for at least 24 hours.
Tips for Perfect Pickled Beets
- Choose Fresh Beets: Look for firm, smooth beets with healthy-looking greens (if attached).
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked beets will be mushy. Cook them until they are just tender.
- Sterilize Your Jars: This is crucial for preventing spoilage, especially if you’re not processing the jars.
- Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar or honey to your taste preference.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add other spices like mustard seeds, coriander seeds, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your homemade pickled beets in a variety of ways:
- Salads: Add them to salads for a burst of color and flavor.
- Sandwiches: Layer them on sandwiches with cheese and greens.
- Snacks: Enjoy them straight from the jar as a healthy and tangy snack.
- Sides: Serve them as a side dish with roasted meats or vegetables.
- Deviled Eggs: Top deviled eggs with a small dice of pickled beets.
Conclusion
This super easy and great-tasting pickled beets recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the health benefits and delicious flavor of beets. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can create a batch of homemade pickled beets that are far superior to store-bought versions. So, give this recipe a try and discover the joy of homemade pickling! They are a vibrant, nutritious and tasty treat you will love.
