Are you looking for a vibrant and flavorful addition to your next meal? Look no further than this old-fashioned recipe for pickled beets! These aren't your average canned beets; we're talking about homemade, intensely flavorful pickled beets that are bursting with color and tangy sweetness. Perfect as a side dish, a burger topping, or even a unique salad ingredient, these pickled beets are a delightful twist on a classic. This recipe is surprisingly easy, making it a perfect choice for both beginner cooks and experienced culinary enthusiasts seeking a delicious, healthy, and homemade option. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds medium-sized beets, trimmed and scrubbed (about 4-6 beets)
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice berries (optional, adds a warm spice note)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Beets
- Wash the beets thoroughly under cold running water, scrubbing away any dirt. Trim the greens, leaving about an inch of stem attached. This helps prevent bleeding during cooking.
- You can either peel the beets before cooking (easier to peel when cooked) or leave the skins on. If leaving the skins on, you'll need to scrub them extra clean. If peeling, use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife.
Step 2: Cooking the Beets
- Place the beets in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces the center. Cooking time will depend on the size of your beets.
- Once cooked, drain the beets and rinse them under cold water. This helps stop the cooking process. If you left the skins on, you can now easily peel them off while they're still warm.
Step 3: Making the Pickling Liquid
- While the beets are cooking, prepare the pickling liquid. In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds, bay leaves, and allspice berries (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
Step 4: Pickling the Beets
- Once the beets are peeled and cooled slightly, pack them tightly into a clean, sterilized jar. Leave about half an inch of space at the top.
- Carefully pour the hot pickling liquid over the beets, ensuring they are fully submerged. Leave about half an inch of headspace.
- Wipe the rim of the jar clean to remove any spills. Secure the lid tightly.
Step 5: Cooling and Storing
- Let the jar cool to room temperature. You may notice some bubbling as it cools – this is perfectly normal.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the pickled beets for at least 24 hours, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to fully develop. The longer they sit, the more intense the flavor will become. They will keep in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Tips for the Best Pickled Beets:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your pickled beets will be directly affected by the quality of your ingredients. Opt for fresh, vibrant beets and good quality vinegar.
- Don't overcrowd the jar: Leave enough headspace to allow for expansion during the cooling process.
- Sterilize your jars: This helps prevent spoilage and ensures a longer shelf life for your pickled beets. You can sterilize jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
Variations:
- Spicy Pickled Beets: Add a few slices of fresh chili pepper to the pickling liquid for a spicy kick.
- Sweet and Sour Pickled Beets: Adjust the sugar to your preference for a sweeter or more tart pickle. A touch of honey or maple syrup can also be added for a unique flavor.
- Herbed Pickled Beets: Add fresh herbs such as dill, thyme, or rosemary to the pickling liquid for an aromatic twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of the beets and the exact quantities used, but a general estimate per serving (assuming 4 servings) is:
- Calories: Approximately 50-70
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
- Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
- Sugar: Approximately 5-7g
These pickled beets are a healthy and delicious addition to your diet, packed with antioxidants and fiber. Enjoy them as a flavorful side dish, a topping for your favorite sandwiches, or a vibrant addition to salads. They make a fantastic homemade gift, too!