Print

Pickled Beets

Pickled Beets
Print Recipe

Homemade Pickled Beets offer a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and earthy flavors. This easy recipe transforms fresh beets into a vibrant and versatile treat that enhances salads, sandwiches, cheese boards, and more. With simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, making pickled beets at home is a rewarding and delicious culinary experience suitable for all skill levels.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Fresh Beets – 2 pounds (about 6 medium beets)
  • Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 cup
  • Sugar – 1/2 cup
  • Water – 1 cup
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon

Optional Ingredients

  • Whole Cloves – 4 to 6 cloves
  • Cinnamon Stick – 1 stick
  • Peppercorns – 1 teaspoon
  • Garlic Cloves (peeled) – 2 cloves

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Cook the Beets: Wash the fresh beets thoroughly, leaving the skin on. Boil them in water until tender, about 30 to 40 minutes depending on size, or alternatively roast them wrapped in foil for an earthier flavor. Once cooked, rinse under cold water and gently rub off the skins. Slice or cube the beets as desired.
  2. Create the Pickling Brine: In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir over medium heat until sugar and salt dissolve completely. Add any optional spices or garlic at this stage to infuse deeper flavor.
  3. Pack Jars with Beets and Brine: Fill clean, sterilized glass jars tightly with the sliced beets. Pour the hot brine over the beets, ensuring they are fully submerged. Leave about half an inch of headspace and seal the lids firmly.
  4. Let Pickles Cool and Refrigerate: Allow jars to cool to room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator. For best flavor, marinate at least 24 hours, though 2 to 3 days is ideal. Pickled beets keep well refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, firm beets free of blemishes for best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overcook beets; aim for tender but not mushy.
  • Use sterilized jars to ensure safety and prolong shelf life.
  • Taste the brine before pouring to balance sweet and sour.
  • Add spices at the start of heating the brine to extract maximum flavor.
  • Allow adequate marinating time for full flavor development.

Nutrition

Keywords: pickled beets, homemade pickles, fermented vegetables, tangy side dish, sweet and sour beets, easy pickling

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/pickled-beets/