Pickled Beets

Pickled Beets

Pickled beets are an easy, tangy, and nutritious way to enjoy beets. They are perfect as a side dish, a salad topper, or a snack. The beets are cooked and then marinated in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices, creating a sweet and savory flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium beets, peeled and sliced into rounds

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

• 1/2 teaspoon whole mustard seeds (optional)

• 1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed (optional)

• 1-2 bay leaves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beets:

   • Wash and peel the beets. Cut them into slices or wedges, depending on your preference. You can also cut them into chunks if you prefer smaller pieces.

2. Cook the Beets:

   • Place the sliced beets in a pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the beets are fork-tender.

   • Once cooked, drain the beets and set them aside to cool.

3. Prepare the Pickling Brine:

   • In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and spices (peppercorns, mustard seeds, garlic, and bay leaves).

   • Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and salt. Let the brine simmer for about 5 minutes.

4. Combine the Beets and Brine:

   • Once the beets are cooled, place them in a clean jar or container.

   • Pour the hot brine over the beets, ensuring they are fully submerged. If necessary, use a clean spoon to press the beets down.

5. Cool and Refrigerate:

   • Let the pickled beets cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the jar and refrigerate.

   • Allow the beets to marinate in the brine for at least 24 hours before serving, but for the best flavor, wait 2-3 days.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the pickled beets chilled as a side dish, in salads, or on sandwiches. They can be enjoyed as a snack too!

Notes:

• Storage: Store the pickled beets in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter pickled beet, add more sugar to taste.

• Flavor Enhancements: You can add spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, or ginger for a unique flavor.

Tips:

• Canned Beets: If you don’t have fresh beets, you can use canned beets. However, fresh beets will yield a more vibrant color and flavor.

• Resting Time: The longer you let the beets marinate, the more flavorful they will be. Ideally, let them sit for at least 2-3 days.

• Serving Suggestions: Pickled beets are great in salads, on burgers, or served alongside roasted meats.

Servings:

This recipe makes about 4 servings of pickled beets.

Nutritional Info (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 80

• Carbs: 19g

• Protein: 1g

• Fat: 0g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 14g

Benefits:

• Rich in Nutrients: Beets are high in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, supporting heart health, digestion, and overall well-being.

• Supports Liver Health: The nutrients in beets can help detoxify the liver and promote healthy liver function.

• Low in Calories: This recipe is low in calories, making it a great addition to a healthy diet.

• Gut Health: The fiber in beets aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut.

Q&A:

Q: Can I use a different type of vinegar?
A: Yes, you can use white vinegar or even red wine vinegar for a different flavor profile.

Q: How long will the pickled beets last?
A: The pickled beets can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the pickling brine?
A: Yes, you can add other vegetables like onions, carrots, or garlic to the brine for a mixed vegetable pickle.