How to Make Homemade Pickled Beets Recipe

Ingredients

For the Beets:

• 2 lbs fresh beets
• Water (for boiling)

For the Pickling Liquid:

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (or 2-3 whole cloves)
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice (or a few whole allspice berries)
• Optional: 1-2 bay leaves

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beets:

• Start by washing the beets thoroughly to remove any dirt. Trim the tops, leaving about an inch of the stem intact (this helps prevent bleeding during cooking).
• Place the beets in a pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 30-45 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The time will depend on the size of the beets.

2. Cool and Peel:

• Once the beets are cooked, drain and cool them under running cold water until they can be handled.
• Peel the skins off by rubbing them gently or using a paper towel. Cut the beets into slices or cubes, as desired.

3. Make the Pickling Liquid:

• In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds, cloves, allspice, and bay leaves.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

4. Pack the Beets:

• Pack the sliced or cubed beets into clean, sterilized jars. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
• Pour the hot pickling liquid over the beets, ensuring they are fully submerged. If needed, use a clean utensil to push down any beets that float.

5. Seal and Store:

• Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue, and seal them with sterilized lids.
• Allow the jars to cool to room temperature before refrigerating them.

6. Let Them Pickle:

• For the best flavor, let the pickled beets sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before consuming. They will keep well for 2-3 months in the fridge.

Enjoy!

Pickled beets can be enjoyed on salads, sandwiches, or as a side dish. They are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Enjoy your homemade pickled beets!