Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Skill Level: Easy
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
- 6 medium beets, tops removed, cleaned
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for a warm spice flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Cook the Beets:
- Place the cleaned beets in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the beets and allow them to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, peel the skins off and slice the beets into thin rounds or wedges.
- Prepare the Pickling Brine:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, cloves, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it cook for about 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Pickle the Beets:
- Place the sliced beets into a large, clean glass jar or several smaller jars.
- Pour the warm pickling brine over the beets, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let the jars cool to room temperature before sealing them with lids.
- Refrigerate:
- Place the jars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, refrigerate overnight.
Serving and Storage
- Storage: Pickled beets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy pickled beets in salads, as a tangy side dish, or as part of a charcuterie board.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 80
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
These Pickled Beets are a vibrant, flavorful addition to any dish. The vinegar and spices create a delicious balance with the natural sweetness of the beets. Enjoy!