Bright Bold Classic Pickled Beets
Bright & Bold: Classic Pickled Beets (That Actually Taste Good!)
Fancy some pickled beets that don't taste like something your great aunt Mildred served up in 1972? Honestly, I used to think beet pickles were the food of last resort.
Turns out, when done right, they're amazing! This isn't just any pickled beetroot recipe ; it's a flavour explosion.
What's the Big Deal with Pickled Beets?
Pickled beets have been around for ages. They're a staple in Eastern European cuisine and were often used to preserve the harvest.
They're also super easy to make. I'd rate this recipe as "easy peasy", requiring just a bit of chopping and simmering.
It yields about 4 cups, perfect for a 1-quart jar.
Why You'll Love This Pickled Beets Recipe
Pickled beets are packed with antioxidants and are great for your liver. Serve them at your next barbecue, or add them to a cheese board for a bit of colour and zing.
This easy pickled beets recipe is special because it balances sweet and sour perfectly. Plus, it looks gorgeous on a plate! And don't forget, they're a great alternative for those looking for gluten-free options.
Get Your Beet On!
So, you're probably thinking about how to how to make pickled beets now, right? Good! Because that means I've hooked you.
Let's dive into the ingredients and get this show on the road. I promise, even if you're not a beet lover, these homemade pickled beets might just change your mind.
Trust me, you will be looking for the best pickled beets recipe once you've tried these.
Ingredients & Equipment For The Best Pickled Beets Recipe
Right, so you fancy making some homemade pickled beets ? Fab! Let's chat about what you'll need. Honestly, it's not rocket science, but getting the right bits and bobs makes all the difference for perfect pickled beetroot recipe .
Main Ingredients
Okay, listen up! For this easy pickled beets adventure, here's what you’re gonna grab:
- Beets: 1.5 pounds (680g) fresh beets, medium sized. Get beets that feel firm. Avoid any that are soft or have loads of blemishes, you know?
- White Vinegar: 1 cup (240ml). The cheap stuff is fine!
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g). Normal baking sugar.
- Water: 1/2 cup (120ml). Straight from the tap is good.
- Kosher Salt: 1 tablespoon (15ml).
- Yellow Mustard Seeds: 1 teaspoon (5ml).
- Black Peppercorns: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml).
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml). For a lil' kick!
- Bay Leaf: 1 . Yep, just one.
Seasoning Notes: Unleashing Flavour In Your Pickles Beets
Honestly, this sweet and sour pickled beets recipe is all about balancing the flavors. The mustard seeds and peppercorns are KEY.
The bay leaf? That's just for a bit of depth. If you wanna get a bit wild with your old fashioned pickled beets recipe , chuck in a pinch of celery seeds if you don't have any mustard seeds handy.
Apple cider vinegar gives a slightly sweeter flavor, especially if you are trying how to make pickled beets using it.
Equipment Needed: Keeping It Simple
Right, you don't need a fancy kitchen for this. Here's what you NEED:
- Large Pot: For boiling the beets.
- Saucepan: For the pickling liquid.
- Vegetable Peeler: Obvs.
- Sharp Knife: For chopping.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Don't wing it!
- Sterilized 1-Quart Jar: Or a few smaller ones. Big enough to store your pickled beets with vinegar .
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For getting the beets into the jar.
- Cutting Board
Honestly, that's it! Grab your stuff, and let's get pickling these beet pickles ! You'll be amazed at how easy it is to make the best pickled beets recipe .
Bright & Bold: Classic Pickled Beets (That Actually Taste Good!)
Honestly, pickled beets are one of those things that people either love or hate. But I'm here to tell you, a good pickled beets recipe will convert even the staunchest beet hater.
This isn't your grandma's bland jar of beet pickles. We're talking vibrant colour and a tangy, sweet and-sour flavour that'll have you reaching for seconds! It's a proper Sunday Roast side, but with a bit of a kick.
Did you know that beets are packed with nutrients and antioxidants? So basically, this homemade pickled beets recipe is both delicious and good for you. Boom.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
- Essential mise en place: Scrub those beets, trim them, but leave about an inch of the green stems. We don’t want all that beet juice leaking out, do we? Get all the brine ingredients measured out too.
- Time saving tips: Honestly, the most time consuming part is waiting for the beets to cook.
- Safety reminders: Watch out for that beet juice! It's like natural food dye gone wild. Wear an apron or old clothes. And please, be careful when handling hot jars.
step-by-step: How To Make Pickled Beets
Here is my Best Pickled Beets recipe !
- Cook the beets: Put the beets in a large pot, cover them with water, and bring it to a boil. Cook until you can easily pierce them with a fork about 30 minutes .
- Cool and peel: Drain the beets. Let them cool enough to handle. Then slip off the skins. Pro Tip: Use gloves to avoid staining your hands!
- Make the brine: In a saucepan, mix 1 cup (240ml) of white vinegar, 1 cup (200g) of sugar, 1/2 cup (120ml) of water, 1 tablespoon (15ml) of salt, 1 teaspoon (5ml) of mustard seeds, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) of peppercorns, a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you want a bit of heat), and a bay leaf. Bring it to a boil. Keep stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve.
- Slice and dice: Cut the peeled beets into slices, wedges, or cubes. I prefer slices, personally.
- Simmer: Chuck the beets into the brine. Simmer for 15 minutes , stirring sometimes.
- Jar it up: Pack the beets into a sterilized jar. Pour the hot brine over them, making sure they're all covered. Leave about 1/2 inch of space at the top.
- Chill: Let the jars cool. Seal them tight. Then stick them in the fridge for at least 4 hours , but overnight is best .
Pro Tips: Easy Pickled Beets Secrets!
- Don't overcook the beets! Mushy beets are no good.
- Avoid this Old fashioned pickled beets recipe mistake. Make sure to sterilize your jars properly! This keeps everything safe to eat.
- For a sweet and sour pickled beets taste, adjust the sugar. Use less sugar for a tangier pickle.
Recipe Notes For Proper Homemade Pickled Beets
Right then, let's chat about some things to keep in mind when you How To Make Pickled Beets . Think of these as friendly nudges to help you nail this pickled beets recipe .
Ace Serving Suggestions
Plating like a Pro . Honestly, presentation matters. Arrange the pickles beets nicely on a plate. You know? A little goes a long way.
Sidekick Superstars . What goes well with easy pickled beets ? Think creamy goat cheese. Also, walnuts. Maybe a simple salad. Even better, a crusty bread to soak up the brine.
Masterclass Storage Tips
Fridge Life . You will want to properly store your beet pickles . Keep your pickled beetroot recipe in the fridge. They'll happily last for a couple of weeks.
Make sure the jar is properly sealed.
Freezing? Nah . Homemade pickled beets don't freeze well. The texture goes all weird. Trust me, I've tried it!
Reheating . You don’t need to reheat these. They’re best served cold. They are sweet and sour pickled beets , like a quick snack!
Remix Magic: Variations
Sweet Tooth Alert . For a sweeter old fashioned pickled beets recipe , add a touch more sugar. Taste as you go and adjust.
Spice It Up . Want some heat? Add a pinch more red pepper flakes. You could even chuck in a chilli! A little bird told me to add a dash of cayenne pepper too.
Dietary Swaps . Maple syrup is awesome! To make the best pickled beets recipe paleo, ditch the sugar. Maple syrup works a treat.
Seasonal Swaps . You can replace with other root veggies during the colder months
Nutrition Nuggets
Basic Facts . Beets are good for you, innit? They are packed with vitamins and fiber. Each serving has a modest amount of calories.
Health Boost . Beets can help lower blood pressure. Plus, they're great for your heart. Who knew pickled beets with vinegar could be so good for you?
There you have it! A few notes to guide you with. Remember, this is about having fun. So, give it a go. Don't be afraid to experiment!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of vinegar for this pickled beets recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for distilled white vinegar for its clean, neutral flavour, you can certainly experiment. Apple cider vinegar will give the beets a slightly fruitier and more complex flavour, which some folks really dig.
Just be mindful that other vinegars might alter the final colour and taste slightly, so give it a try and see if you like it it's all part of the fun!
How long do pickled beets last, and how should I store them?
Pickled beets are brilliant for preserving that summery beetroot goodness! If properly sealed and refrigerated, they'll keep for up to 2-3 weeks. Make sure the beets are fully submerged in the brine in a sterilised jar to prevent spoilage.
If you're planning on storing them for longer, you'll need to follow proper canning procedures (like your Nan used to!) to ensure they are shelf stable.
My pickled beets are too sweet/tangy! Can I adjust the flavour?
Of course! Flavour is subjective, innit? If you find the pickled beets too sweet, reduce the amount of sugar in the brine next time. Conversely, if they're too tangy, add a bit more sugar to balance the acidity.
You can also adjust the salt and spices to your liking a pinch of extra salt can round out the flavour nicely.
Can I use pre-cooked beets for this pickled beets recipe to save time?
You certainly can, and it’s a cracking shortcut if you’re short on time! Many supermarkets sell pre-cooked beets that are ready to go. Just skip the initial boiling step in the recipe and proceed directly to slicing and simmering them in the brine.
Keep a close eye on them though as they're already cooked, you don't want to overcook them in the brine and turn them to mush.
What are some serving suggestions for pickled beets other than just eating them straight from the jar?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Pickled beets are fantastic in salads, especially with goat cheese, walnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette (it's a classic for a reason!). They also add a lovely tang to sandwiches and are a colourful addition to charcuterie boards alongside cheeses and cured meats.
You could even dice them up and add them to a potato salad for a vibrant twist. Get creative they're surprisingly versatile!
Are pickled beets good for you? What are the nutritional benefits?
Beets themselves are packed with nutrients, but the pickling process does alter things a bit. They’re a good source of fibre and contain vitamins and minerals like folate and potassium. The pickling brine, however, does add sugar and salt, so keep that in mind if you're watching your intake.
Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet, and consider adjusting the sugar content in the recipe to suit your needs.
Bright Bold Classic Pickled Beets
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 60 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 1g |
| Fiber | 1g |
