Homemade Pickled Beets Recipe

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Homemade Pickled Beets Recipe

Description

These homemade pickled beets are sweet, tangy, and beautifully vibrant. They’re tender yet firm, infused with warm spices, and perfect as a side dish, salad topping, or straight-from-the-jar snack. Making them at home lets you control the sweetness and spice level while avoiding preservatives found in store-bought versions.

 Ingredients

  • 6 medium beets (washed and trimmed)

  • 1 cup white vinegar

  • 1 cup water

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

  • ½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns (optional)

  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

 Instructions

  1. Cook the beets
    Place beets in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes, until fork-tender.
    Drain, cool slightly, then peel and slice or cube.

  2. Prepare the pickling liquid
    In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and optional spices. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.

  3. Pack the jars
    Place sliced beets into clean glass jars.

  4. Add the brine
    Carefully pour the hot pickling liquid over the beets, ensuring they are fully submerged.

  5. Cool and store
    Let jars cool to room temperature, seal, and refrigerate.

  6. Wait & enjoy
    Flavor improves after 24–48 hours. Best after 3 days.

 Recipe Notes

  • You can slice beets into rounds, cubes, or wedges depending on preference.

  • For deeper flavor, let the beets pickle for up to 1 week before eating.

  • This is a refrigerator pickle, not shelf-stable unless properly canned.

Tips for Best Results

  • Wear gloves when handling beets to avoid staining hands.

  • Use apple cider vinegar for a milder, fruitier taste.

  • Add a slice of orange peel or ginger for a creative twist.

  • Keep beets fully submerged to maintain freshness.

 Servings

  • Makes: About 3–4 cups

  • Servings: 6–8 (½ cup per serving)

 Nutritional Information (Per ½ cup, approx.)

  • Calories: ~70

  • Carbohydrates: 16g

  • Sugar: 14g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Fat: 0g

  • Sodium: ~150mg

(Values may vary depending on sugar and beet size.)

 Health Benefits

  • Rich in antioxidants that support overall health

  • Supports digestion thanks to fiber content

  • May help heart health due to natural nitrates in beets

  • Low in fat and naturally colorful without additives

 Q & A

Q: How long do pickled beets last?
A: Stored in the refrigerator, they last up to 3–4 weeks in a sealed container.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: Yes! Reduce to â…“ cup or substitute with honey or maple syrup.

Q: Do I have to cook the beets first?
A: Yes. Cooking ensures tenderness and proper flavor absorption.

Q: Can I reuse the pickling liquid?
A: It’s best used once for food safety and flavor quality.

Q: Are these beets good for salads?
A: Absolutely! They pair well with goat cheese, arugula, walnuts, and citrus.

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