Pickled Beets

📝 Description:

Pickled beets are a delicious, tangy-sweet side dish or condiment made by preserving cooked beets in a vinegar-based brine. They’re a great addition to salads, sandwiches, charcuterie boards, or just as a snack. This classic recipe is simple, vibrant, and packed with flavor.

🧾 Ingredients for Pickled Beets

• 6 medium beets, trimmed and scrubbed

• 1 cup white vinegar

• 1 cup water

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp whole cloves (optional)

• ½ tsp black peppercorns (optional)

• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional for flavor and color)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Boil the Beets:
   Place beets in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes or until tender. Drain and cool. Peel and slice or cube the beets.

2. Prepare the Brine:
   In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Add spices if using. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

3. Pack the Jars:
   Sterilize glass jars (if canning). Layer sliced beets and red onion in the jars.

4. Pour the Brine:
   Pour hot brine over beets, leaving about ½ inch of headspace. Seal tightly.

5. Cool & Store:
   Let jars cool at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before eating for best flavor. Store in the fridge for up to 2 months, or process in a hot water bath for long-term pantry storage.

🍽 Servings:

• Makes approx. 3 to 4 cups (around 4 to 6 servings)

💡 Notes:

• The longer the beets sit in the brine, the more flavorful they become.

• Use golden beets for a milder, less earthy variation.

• You can reuse the brine once or twice with fresh beets if boiled again.

✅ Tips:

• Wear gloves when handling beets to avoid staining your hands.

• Add fresh herbs (like thyme or dill) for a unique twist.

• Slice beets evenly for consistent flavor absorption.

• Use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for a deeper flavor.

🧮 Nutritional Information (Per ½ cup serving):

• Calories: 80

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Sugars: 14g

• Fiber: 2g

• Protein: 1g

• Fat: 0g

• Sodium: 150mg
  (values may vary based on preparation and ingredients used)

🌿 Health Benefits:

• Rich in Antioxidants: Beets contain betalains, which help reduce inflammation.

• Good for Digestion: High in fiber, supporting healthy gut function.

• Supports Blood Pressure Control: Thanks to their nitrate content.

• Natural Detoxifier: Beets support liver health and natural detox processes.

❓ Q&A:

Q: Can I use canned beets instead of fresh?
A: Yes, but fresh beets offer better flavor and texture. If using canned, skip boiling and go straight to brining.

Q: How long do pickled beets need to sit before eating?
A: At least 24 hours, but 3–5 days improves the flavor.

Q: Do I need to process them for long-term storage?
A: Yes, if you want shelf-stable jars. Process in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: Yes, you can reduce it by half or use a natural sweetener like honey, though it will alter the flavor slightly.