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Homemade Pickled Beets Recipe – Easy, Healthy, and Delicious!
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Pickled beets are a flavorful, tangy, and nutritious addition to any meal. Whether you enjoy them in salads, sandwiches, or as a side dish, this easy homemade pickled beets recipe will give you perfectly preserved beets with a delicious balance of sweet and sour flavors. Follow this step-by-step guide to make your own pickled beets at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
✅ Long Shelf Life – Enjoy delicious beets for months!
✅ Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
✅ Perfect for Salads & Snacks – A great side dish with an amazing tangy flavor.
Ingredients
To make homemade pickled beets, you will need:
- 2 lbs (900g) fresh beets (small to medium-sized)
- 1 cup (240ml) apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- ½ cup (120ml) water
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black peppercorns
- ½ tsp mustard seeds (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled and sliced)
- 1 small cinnamon stick (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 bay leaf
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beets
- Wash and trim the beets, leaving about 1 inch of stems to prevent bleeding.
- Place them in a large pot and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until tender.
- Drain the beets, let them cool, and peel off the skins (they should slide off easily).
- Slice or cut into cubes as desired.
Step 2: Prepare the Pickling Brine
- In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds, garlic, and cinnamon stick.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 3: Pack the Jars
- Sterilize your mason jars by boiling them for a few minutes.
- Place the sliced or cubed beets inside the jars, filling them almost to the top.
- Add a bay leaf to each jar for extra flavor.
Step 4: Pour the Brine and Seal
- Carefully pour the hot pickling brine over the beets, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Seal the jars tightly with lids.
- Let them cool at room temperature before storing.
Step 5: Store and Enjoy
- Store pickled beets in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before eating.
- For best flavor, let them sit for 3-5 days to absorb the brine.
Tips for the Best Pickled Beets
✔ Use Fresh Beets – The fresher the beets, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be.
✔ Adjust the Sweetness – Add more or less sugar depending on your preference.
✔ Experiment with Spices – Try adding cloves, star anise, or chili flakes for a unique twist.
✔ Use Sterilized Jars – This helps extend shelf life and prevents spoilage.
How to Serve Pickled Beets
- Add them to salads for a tangy, sweet kick.
- Serve as a side dish with roasted meats or sandwiches.
- Use them as a topping for burgers, tacos, or wraps.
- Enjoy them straight from the jar as a snack!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How Long Do Pickled Beets Last?
- If stored in the refrigerator, they last for up to 3 months.
- For longer storage, use the canning method to keep them fresh for up to a year.
2. Can I Use Canned Beets Instead of Fresh Beets?
Yes! Drain and rinse canned beets, then follow the pickling brine steps.
3. Do Pickled Beets Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes, unless they are properly canned using a water bath method.
4. Can I Reuse the Pickling Brine?
It’s best to make a fresh batch for each new batch of beets to maintain flavor and safety.
Final Thoughts
This homemade pickled beets recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the natural sweetness of beets with a tangy twist. Whether you eat them alone, in salads, or as a side dish, they’re a nutritious and flavorful addition to your meals.
For more details, visit the full recipe