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Pickled Beets

Pickled Beets

This easy Pickled Beets recipe offers a tangy, sweet, and crunchy flavor that brightens any meal. Made with fresh beets and a simple brine of vinegar, sugar, salt, and optional warming spices, it’s perfect for salads, sandwiches, or snacks. Quick to prepare and long-lasting in the fridge, homemade Pickled Beets deliver vibrant color and balanced flavors that beat store-bought versions.

Ingredients

Scale

Pickled Beets Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh medium-sized beets, firm with vibrant skin
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp salt

Optional Spices

  • Whole cloves (2-3)
  • Peppercorns (1 tsp)
  • 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beets: Wash the beets thoroughly to remove any dirt. Boil them in a large pot of water for 30 to 40 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and allow to cool.
  2. Peel and Slice: Once cooled, peel the skins off using your hands or a vegetable peeler. Slice the peeled beets into thin rounds or bite-sized chunks as you prefer.
  3. Make the Pickling Brine: In a saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat gently, stirring continuously until the sugar and salt dissolve completely to form the pickling brine.
  4. Add Spices and Pack Jars: Place optional spices like cloves, peppercorns, or cinnamon sticks into sterilized glass jars along with the sliced beets. Pour the hot brine over the beets, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the jars tightly.
  5. Cool and Refrigerate: Let the jars cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow flavors to develop, but 2-3 days is best before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh beets for firmer texture and brighter color.
  • Allow beets to cool completely before peeling and slicing to prevent them from falling apart.
  • Sterilize your jars thoroughly to prevent spoilage and keep the pickled beets fresh longer.
  • Taste the brine before pouring over the beets and adjust the sugar level to your preference.
  • Refrigerate pickled beets for at least a day to let the flavors fully develop.

Nutrition

Keywords: pickled beets, homemade pickled beets, easy pickled beets, vinegar pickled beets, crunchy pickled beets, vegan pickled beets