Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes (for beets to simmer) Chilling Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes Yield: Approximately 4 servings Category: Side Dish Method: Stovetop and Pickling Cuisine: American
Description: These Healthy Pickled Beets are not only incredibly easy to prepare but also offer a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. The recipe transforms fresh beets into a tasty side dish that’s perfect for enhancing your meal. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can enjoy these homemade pickled beets that are bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 8 medium fresh beets
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons whole cloves
- 1-1/2 teaspoons whole allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Preparing the Beets:
- Start by scrubbing the fresh beets to remove any dirt or debris. Trim the tops of the beets to leave about 1 inch of the stem.
- Place the cleaned beets in a Dutch oven or a large pot. Add enough water to cover the beets.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook the beets for 25-30 minutes or until they become tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the cooked beets from the water and allow them to cool. Once cooled, peel the beets and slice them into your desired thickness. Place the sliced beets in a large bowl and set them aside.
Making the Pickling Solution: 5. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, whole cloves, whole allspice, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then let it boil for 5 minutes. This will infuse the pickling solution with the spices and create a sweet and tangy flavor.
Pickling the Beets: 7. Carefully pour the hot pickling solution over the sliced beets in the bowl.
- Gently stir to ensure that the beets are evenly coated with the pickling mixture.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pickled beets for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
Serving: 10. Before serving, drain the pickling liquid from the beets.
- Enjoy your Healthy Pickled Beets as a delightful side dish that adds a burst of flavor and vibrant color to your meal.
These homemade pickled beets are a fantastic addition to salads, sandwiches, or as a standalone snack. They are sure to impress with their delicious taste and natural sweetness.