Pickled Beets

🥄 Recipe Description

These classic homemade pickled beets are sweet, tangy, and earthy — perfect as a snack, salad topper, or colorful side dish. Made with red beets, vinegar, and warm spices, this easy refrigerator pickle recipe lets the natural flavor of the beets shine while adding a punchy pickled kick.

📝 Ingredients for Pickled Beets

• 2 lbs fresh beets (about 6–8 medium)

• 1 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

• 1 cup water

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp whole black peppercorns

• 3 whole cloves (optional)

• 2 bay leaves (optional)

• ½ small onion, thinly sliced (optional for extra flavor)

🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Beets

   • Trim beet tops, leaving 1 inch of stem. Rinse off dirt.

   • Place beets in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Simmer 25–35 minutes or until tender.

   • Drain, cool under cold water, then peel (skins should slide right off). Slice or quarter.

2. Make the Pickling Brine

   • In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, and optional cloves/bay leaves.

   • Heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Simmer 2–3 minutes.

3. Assemble Jars

   • Place sliced onions (if using) in the bottom of clean glass jars.

   • Pack in the beet slices.

   • Pour hot pickling brine over beets, ensuring they are fully submerged.

4. Chill & Store

   • Let jars cool to room temperature.

   • Cover and refrigerate at least 24 hours before eating for best flavor.

🍽️ Servings

Makes 4–6 servings (about 2 pint jars)

💡 Notes & Tips

• Use gloves when handling beets to avoid staining fingers.

• Golden or candy-striped beets can be used for fun color variations.

• Sterilize jars if storing longer than 2–3 weeks.

• For quicker prep, use pre-cooked or roasted beets.

• Store in the refrigerator up to 6 weeks.

⚖️ Nutritional Info (per ½ cup serving)

• Calories: ~80

• Carbs: 18g

• Sugar: 15g

• Fiber: 2g

• Protein: 1g

• Fat: 0g

• Sodium: 200mg

(Values approximate and will vary based on vinegar, sugar, and beet size.)

🌟 Benefits

• Beets are rich in antioxidants, especially betalains.

• Support heart health and blood pressure due to nitrates.

• High in fiber, vitamins A & C, and folate.

• Fermented/pickled foods are great for gut health.

❓Q & A

Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: Yes — cut by half for a more tangy pickle, or swap with honey or maple syrup.

Q: Do I have to boil the beets?
A: Roasting them instead gives a deeper, sweeter flavor — just peel and slice once soft.

Q: Can I can these for shelf storage?
A: Yes, process in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes (pints) but double-check proper canning guidelines for safety.

Q: Why wait 24 hours?
A: This allows flavors to fully absorb. They taste better the longer they sit!