Here’s a simple recipe to make your own pickled beets at home!
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized beets (about 1-2 lbs)
- 1 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor)
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
- 1-2 whole cloves (optional)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the Beets:
- Rinse the beets and trim the tops and roots, leaving about 1 inch of the beet stems.
- Boil the beets in a large pot of water for about 30-40 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the beets and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the skins using your hands or a paper towel.
- Slice the beets into rounds or wedges, depending on your preference.
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Prepare the Pickling Brine:
- In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds, cloves, and cinnamon stick (if using).
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and salt.
- Once it reaches a boil, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Remove from heat.
-
Jar the Beets:
- Sterilize your jars and lids by washing them in hot soapy water or by placing them in the dishwasher.
- Pack the sliced beets into your sterilized jars. If you like, you can add a few garlic cloves, some onion slices, or fresh dill for extra flavor.
- Pour the hot pickling brine over the beets, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top of the jar.
- Ensure the beets are fully submerged in the brine by gently pressing them down with a spoon.
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Seal and Store:
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean and seal with sterilized lids.
- Allow the jars to cool to room temperature before refrigerating them.
- Let the pickled beets sit for at least 24 hours for the flavors to meld. For best results, wait 3-5 days before enjoying them.
Tips:
- For longer storage, you can process the jars in a water bath canner, but this recipe is suitable for refrigerator pickling.
- You can adjust the sugar or vinegar ratio depending on how sweet or tangy you prefer your pickled beets.
Enjoy your homemade pickled beets as a snack, in salads, or alongside your favorite dishes!
