Pickled Beets Recipe
If you have a fondness for tangy, vibrant, and naturally sweet vegetables, this Pickled Beets Recipe is an absolute must-try. It takes simple, fresh beets and transforms them into a colorful, flavor-packed delight that can brighten up any meal. The combination of apple cider vinegar, warm spices like cloves and cinnamon, and just the right touch of sweetness creates an irresistible harmony. Whether you’re looking to add a zingy side dish or a charming topping, this pickled beet dish is pure magic delivered in a jar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pickled Beets Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list. Each component plays a vital role in building the balance of acidity, sweetness, and spice, while the beets themselves provide that stunning jewel-like color and earthy flavor you’ll adore.
- 2 pounds fresh beets trimmed and scrubbed: The star of the show, fresh beets bring natural sweetness and a vibrant hue.
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar: Adds zesty acidity that brightens the dish and acts as a preservative.
- 1 cup water: Balances the vinegar for a mellow, approachable brine.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the brine to counter the vinegar’s sharpness perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps bring out the beet’s natural savoriness.
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns: Offers a gentle, spicy warmth that lingers pleasantly.
- 2 whole cloves: Infuse a lovely aromatic depth that’s subtle but unmistakable.
- 1 small cinnamon stick (optional): Adds a hint of cozy spice that pairs beautifully with the earthiness of beets.
- 1 small yellow onion thinly sliced (optional): Provides a mild sweetness and crunch to complement the tender beets.
How to Make Pickled Beets Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beets Until Tender
Start by placing your fresh beets in a large pot and covering them with water. Bring it to a gentle boil, then let it simmer for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until a fork slides through the beets easily. This slow softening prepares the beets for their flavorful bath, so take your time to ensure they’re just right. After cooking, drain and let them cool enough to handle before peeling off the skins and slicing or cubing the beets to your liking.
Step 2: Prepare the Pickling Brine
While the beets are cooling, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick if you’re using it, and the sliced onion in a medium saucepan. Bring this mixture to a lively boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar completely. This fragrant brine is where all the magic happens, creating that signature tang and spice that elevates the humble beet.
Step 3: Simmer Beets in the Brine
Once your brine is boiling, add the cooked beet pieces to the saucepan. Let them simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors have a chance to meld beautifully. This quick simmer ensures every beet bite is saturated with that tangy, sweet, and spiced goodness that makes this Pickled Beets Recipe so addictive.
Step 4: Cool and Store
After simmering, remove the pot from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Transfer both beets and pickling liquid into clean jars or containers, making sure the beet pieces are fully submerged. Refrigerate the jars for a minimum of 24 hours before serving. This resting time is key, letting the flavors deepen and harmonize beautifully.
How to Serve Pickled Beets Recipe
Garnishes
Pickled beets are lovely on their own, but garnishing them can turn them into a stunning side or salad topping. Try a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley to add an herbaceous freshness. Crumbled feta or goat cheese offers a creamy contrast, while toasted nuts give a pleasant crunch. These little extras brighten visuals and taste alike.
Side Dishes
This Pickled Beets Recipe pairs wonderfully with rich, savory dishes like roasted meats, grilled chicken, or smoked fish. They also shine alongside hearty grain bowls or creamy potato salads, cutting through richness with their vibrant acidity. Don’t hesitate to serve these pickled beauties next to roasted root vegetables or even hearty sandwiches for a pop of flavor and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the jar! Use your pickled beets to create vibrant salads mixed with arugula, nuts, and citrus segments, or layer them in a gourmet sandwich with fresh greens and tangy spreads. You can also serve them atop crostini with cheese or blend some into a unique relish. This recipe lends itself well to creativity, bringing a zing of color and bright flavor wherever it goes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once prepared, store your pickled beets in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Because this Pickled Beets Recipe is designed as a refrigerator pickle and not a shelf-stable canned product, keeping them chilled is essential. They keep delicious and fresh for up to three weeks, giving you plenty of time to enjoy their complex, developed flavors.
Freezing
Freezing pickled beets is not recommended. The texture of the beets can become mushy and lose that satisfying bite after thawing. For best results, enjoy your pickled beets fresh from the fridge within their storage window and avoid freezing altogether.
Reheating
Since pickled beets are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat them. However, if you prefer to warm them for a particular recipe, gently heat for a short time on the stove, but be mindful that prolonged heat can affect their texture and flavor negatively.
FAQs
Can I use canned beets instead of fresh beets?
While canned beets are already cooked and convenient, using fresh beets offers a better texture and flavor for pickling. If you’re short on time, canned beets can work, but be mindful that the flavor absorption might differ slightly.
How long do pickled beets last in the refrigerator?
This Pickled Beets Recipe keeps well for up to three weeks when stored properly in an airtight container. Over time, the flavor will intensify, so they may taste even better after a few days.
Are pickled beets healthy?
Pickled beets retain many of their nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Keep in mind that sugar is added in the pickling process, so enjoy them as part of a balanced diet for a delicious and nutritious treat.
Can I adjust the spice level in the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to increase or reduce the amount of black peppercorns or cloves depending on your spice preference. You can also add other spices such as mustard seeds or star anise to customize the flavor.
What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar?
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or red wine vinegar can be good alternatives. They will alter the flavor slightly but still provide the necessary acidity for pickling.
Final Thoughts
This Pickled Beets Recipe is one of those gems that transform a humble vegetable into an unforgettable flavor adventure. Its beautiful combination of tang, sweetness, and spice adds a delightful punch to any meal, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and discover just how much joy a jar of pickled beets can bring to your table!
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Pickled Beets Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Pickled Beets recipe offers a vibrant and tangy side dish featuring tender beets simmered in a sweet and spiced apple cider vinegar brine. Easy to prepare and perfect for enhancing salads, sandwiches, or as a flavorful accompaniment, these refrigerator pickled beets improve in taste after a few days and can be stored for up to three weeks in the fridge.
Ingredients
Beets
- 2 pounds fresh beets, trimmed and scrubbed
Pickling Brine
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the Beets: Place the trimmed and scrubbed beets in a large pot and cover them completely with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the beets for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces through the beets, indicating they are tender.
- Cool and Peel: Drain the beets and allow them to cool slightly until they are easy to handle. Peel off the skins using your hands or a knife, then slice or cube the beets according to your preferred size for pickling.
- Prepare the Pickling Brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, granulated sugar, salt, black peppercorns, cloves, and cinnamon stick if using. Add the thinly sliced yellow onion if desired for added flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
- Simmer Beets in Brine: Add the peeled and sliced/cubed beets to the boiling vinegar mixture. Let the beets simmer gently for 5 minutes to infuse them with the pickling flavors.
- Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the beets and brine to cool slightly. Transfer the beets along with the pickling liquid to clean jars or containers, ensuring the beets are fully submerged in the liquid. Seal and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Notes
- Pickled beets improve in flavor after a few days in the refrigerator, so for best taste, let them sit for 2-3 days before consuming.
- These pickled beets are refrigerator pickled and not shelf-stable, so do not process them for canning.
- Store refrigerated and consume within 3 weeks for optimal freshness and safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
