Healthy Pickled Beets Recipe – Super Easy and Great Tasting!
Pickled beets are a flavorful and healthy addition to salads, sandwiches, or enjoyed as a side dish. This simple recipe gives you the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and aromatic flavors. Here’s how you can make them at home:
Ingredients:
- 8 medium fresh beets
- 1 cup vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar works well)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons whole cloves
- 1-1/2 teaspoons whole allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, to taste)
- 1-2 garlic cloves (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beets:
- Start by washing the beets thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Trim off the beet greens, leaving about an inch of stem to prevent bleeding while cooking.
- Place the beets in a large pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil.
- Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the beets are fork-tender.
- Drain the beets and let them cool slightly before peeling the skins off. You can easily peel the skins by rubbing them with your fingers or using a paper towel.
2. Slice the Beets:
- Once the beets are peeled, slice them into rounds or wedges according to your preference. Set aside.
3. Make the Pickling Solution:
- In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, cloves, allspice, and salt (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and dissolve the spices.
- Allow the pickling solution to simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Pack the Beets:
- Sterilize your jars (about 2 pint-sized jars should be enough) by placing them in boiling water for a few minutes or washing them thoroughly in hot soapy water.
- Add the beet slices into the sterilized jars.
- If you’re using garlic, place a clove or two into each jar for added flavor.
5. Pour the Pickling Liquid:
- Carefully pour the hot pickling liquid over the beets in the jars, ensuring the beets are fully covered. Leave about 1/2 inch of space at the top of each jar.
- If there are whole spices left in the liquid, try to evenly distribute them between the jars.
6. Seal and Store:
- Once the jars are filled, seal them with sterilized lids.
- Let the jars cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the pickled beets for at least 24-48 hours to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
7. Serve:
- Once the pickled beets are ready, they can be enjoyed immediately, but they taste even better after a couple of days in the fridge!
- Serve them as a side dish, on salads, or as a topping for sandwiches.
Tips for Success:
- Flavor Variations: You can add a pinch of cinnamon or even a bit of fresh ginger to the pickling liquid for extra warmth.
- Longer Storage: If you want to store the pickled beets for a longer time, you can process the jars in a hot water bath for 10 minutes after sealing, but refrigerating them will keep them fresh for a few weeks.
- Serve Cold: These pickled beets taste best chilled, so allow them to cool completely before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: You don’t need many ingredients or complicated steps.
- Healthy & Delicious: Packed with nutrients from the beets, these pickles make a great addition to any meal.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and spice levels based on your taste preferences.
Enjoy your healthy, homemade Pickled Beets! 😋🍽