How to Make Pickled Beets

by

How to Make Pickled Beets: A Simple and Delicious Recipe for Homemade Pickled Beets

Pickled beets are a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors. These vibrant red jewels are not only a delicious addition to salads, sandwiches, or charcuterie boards, but they are also easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can enjoy this homemade pickled beet recipe year-round. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can create perfectly pickled beets in the comfort of your kitchen.

Whether you’re looking to preserve the bounty of fresh beets from your garden or simply want to enjoy the pickled goodness, this recipe is a great way to add a homemade touch to your meals.

Why Make Pickled Beets at Home?

Making pickled beets at home has several benefits that store-bought versions just can’t match:

  • Flavor Control: By making your own pickled beets, you can adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness to your personal preference.
  • Preserving Fresh Beets: If you’ve got a surplus of fresh beets, pickling them is an excellent way to preserve their freshness for months.
  • Health Benefits: Beets are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. By pickling them, you retain most of their nutritional value while adding a flavorful twist.
  • Satisfaction of Homemade: There’s something deeply satisfying about making a jar of pickled beets from scratch, and the homemade touch elevates any dish you serve them with.

Ingredients for Pickled Beets Recipe

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 10 pounds small fresh beets (stems removed) – The star of the dish. Small beets are perfect for pickling as they retain their texture and shape when processed.
  • 2 cups white sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
  • 1 tablespoon pickling salt – This is important for preserving the beets and enhancing the flavor. Don’t substitute table salt.
  • 1 liter white vinegar – The vinegar provides the tangy element essential for pickling.
  • ¼ cup whole cloves – Adds a warm, spicy flavor to the brine, creating a delicious depth to the pickled beets.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pickling Beets

Step 1: Cook the Beets

Begin by placing the beets in a large pot. Cover them with water and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the beets simmer until they are tender. This will typically take about 15 minutes, depending on the size of the beets. For larger beets, it’s best to cut them into quarters to help them cook evenly and more quickly.

  • Tip: The skins of the beets will peel off more easily after they’ve been cooked, so you don’t need to worry about peeling them beforehand.

Once the beets are cooked and tender, drain the water but reserve 2 cups of the cooking water. This will be used to create the brine. Allow the beets to cool enough for you to handle them, then peel the skins off using your hands or a vegetable peeler.

Step 2: Prepare the Jars

While the beets are cooling, it’s time to prepare your canning jars. Sterilizing the jars ensures that the pickles stay safe to eat for longer and prevents bacteria growth.

  • Sterilize the Jars: Place the jars and lids in a large pot of boiling water for at least 10 minutes. This step is crucial for making sure the jars are sanitized before use.
  • Pack the Jars: Once sterilized, take the jars out of the water and pack them with the peeled beets. Add a few whole cloves to each jar to infuse the beets with their aromatic flavor. Make sure to leave a bit of space at the top of each jar for the brine.

Step 3: Make the Brine

Now, it’s time to prepare the brine that will pickle the beets.

  • In a large saucepan, combine the reserved beet cooking water, white sugar, pickling salt, and white vinegar.
  • Bring this mixture to a rapid boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and salt.
  • Once boiling, continue to cook for 1-2 minutes to ensure that everything is well dissolved.

Step 4: Pour the Brine Over the Beets

Once the brine is ready, pour it over the beets in the jars. Fill the jars up to just below the rim, ensuring that the beets are fully submerged. This is important for ensuring that the beets are completely pickled and will remain fresh for longer.

  • Tip: If you have extra brine, you can store it in a jar in the refrigerator to use on future batches of beets or other vegetables.

After filling the jars with the brine, seal them tightly with the sterilized lids. The sealing process is crucial for the pickling process and for long-term storage.

Step 5: Process the Jars

To preserve the pickled beets and make sure the jars seal properly, you need to process them in a hot water bath.

  • Prepare the Pot: Place a rack at the bottom of a large pot, and fill the pot halfway with water. Bring the water to a boil.
  • Process the Jars: Carefully lower the jars into the pot using tongs or a jar lifter. Ensure there’s at least 2 inches of space between each jar. Add more boiling water if necessary to make sure the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars.
  • Cover the pot and boil the jars for 10 minutes. This step helps to seal the jars and ensure the beets are preserved for long-term storage.

Step 6: Cool and Store

After 10 minutes of boiling, carefully remove the jars from the pot and place them on a clean towel to cool. Let the jars cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place. Ideally, store them in a pantry or cellar where the temperature is stable.

  • Tip: Allow the pickled beets to sit for at least 1 week before eating to let the flavors develop. The longer they sit, the more intense the pickled flavor becomes.

Tips for Perfect Pickled Beets

  • Use Small to Medium Beets: Smaller beets tend to have a better texture when pickled. They absorb the brine more efficiently and hold up better over time.
  • Experiment with Spices: While cloves are traditional, you can also add cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, or mustard seeds to customize the flavor of your pickled beets.
  • Storage: Pickled beets can be stored for up to 1 year if sealed and stored properly. Once opened, they should be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within a few weeks.
  • Make it Sweeter or Tangier: Adjust the amount of sugar or vinegar to suit your taste. If you like your pickled beets on the sweeter side, add more sugar. For a tangier version, increase the vinegar content.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Pickled Beets

Making your own pickled beets is a satisfying and rewarding process that results in a tangy, sweet, and earthy treat. Whether you serve them as a side dish, snack, or topping for salads, they are a delicious addition to any meal. Homemade pickled beets not only taste better but also allow you to control the flavor and sweetness levels to your preference.

Try this recipe today, and soon you’ll have jars of vibrant, flavorful beets ready to enjoy all year long!

Leave a Comment