If you’re looking for a vibrant, tangy side dish or condiment, these Quick Pickled Beets are a must-try! Perfect for adding a pop of color and flavor to any dish, these pickled beets have a beautiful balance of tang, sweetness, and subtle spice.
Why You’ll Love Quick Pickled Beets:
These Quick Pickled Beets are easy to make and add a deliciously unique flavor to salads, sandwiches, or even a simple snack. They’re also a great way to preserve fresh beets when they’re in season, so you can enjoy them for weeks.
Quick Pickled Beets
Ingredients for Quick Pickled Beets:
Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty Quick Pickled Beets:
Beets
- 1 pound beets (cooked, peeled, and sliced): About 3-4 medium beets. They add natural sweetness and an earthy flavor to the pickles.
Pickling Liquid
- 1 cup water: Forms the base of the pickling liquid.
- 1 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar: Provides essential acidity to balance the natural sweetness of the beets.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Adjust to taste for your preferred level of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor and aids preservation.
Spices for Added Flavor
- 4-6 whole cloves: Adds a warm, aromatic touch to the pickling brine.
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds: Offers a slight bite and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns: Adds a subtle spiciness to the pickling liquid.
Optional Flavor Enhancers
- Red onion slices, a bay leaf, or fresh ginger slices: Add complexity and unique flavors to the pickled beets.
How to Make Quick Pickled Beets:
Follow these simple steps to create delicious, homemade Quick Pickled Beets:
Step 1: Prepare the Beets
If using raw beets, wash them thoroughly. Trim the tops and roots, then boil them in water until tender (about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on size). Alternatively, you can roast or steam them. Once the beets are cooked, the skins should slip off easily. Slice them into thin rounds or wedges based on your preference.
Step 2: Make the Pickling Liquid
In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, whole cloves, mustard seeds, and peppercorns. Add any optional ingredients if you’re using them, such as red onion slices, a bay leaf, or ginger slices.
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved. Boiling helps infuse the spices and flavors into the pickling liquid, creating a balanced brine.
Step 3: Combine Beets and Pickling Liquid
Place the sliced beets in a clean jar or bowl. Carefully pour the hot pickling liquid over the beets, making sure they’re completely submerged. If you’re using optional ingredients like onions or ginger, distribute them evenly among the beets.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate. The pickled beets will be ready to eat after a few hours, but they’ll develop deeper flavors over the next 24 to 48 hours.
Step 5: Serve
Enjoy your Quick Pickled Beets as a side dish, in salads, or as a zesty condiment. They add a beautiful color and vibrant flavor to any meal!
Quick Pickled Beets
Tips for Perfect Quick Pickled Beets:
- Adjust Sweetness: Customize the level of sweetness by adding more or less sugar to the pickling liquid.
- Choose Your Vinegar: For a slightly different flavor, use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar.
- Storage: Store pickled beets in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They’ll get more flavorful over time!
What to Serve with Quick Pickled Beets:
Quick Pickled Beets are versatile and pair well with many dishes:
- Salads: Their tangy flavor complements leafy greens, goat cheese, and nuts.
- Sandwiches and wraps: Adds color and zest to a variety of sandwiches.
- Charcuterie boards: A delicious addition to a board with cheeses, meats, and other pickles.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use different types of vinegar?
Yes! White vinegar and apple cider vinegar both work well in this recipe. Apple cider vinegar adds a slightly fruity flavor, which can complement the beets.
How long will the pickled beets last?
These Quick Pickled Beets can last in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavor will deepen as they sit, so they may taste even better after a few days.
Do I need to use sugar in the pickling liquid?
The sugar helps balance the acidity and enhances the flavor of the beets, but you can reduce the amount if you prefer a less sweet pickle. Feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
Can I use raw beets without cooking them first?
For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to cook the beets before pickling. Cooking helps bring out the natural sweetness of the beets and allows the pickling liquid to penetrate better.
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Quick Pickled Beets
These Quick Pickled Beets are deliciously tangy and sweet, bringing a beautiful color and flavor to any meal. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- Beets:
- 1 pound cooked, peeled, and sliced beets (about 3-4 medium beets)
- Pickling Liquid:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Spices:
- 4-6 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
- Optional Flavor Enhancers:
- Red onion slices, a bay leaf, or fresh ginger slices
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 60
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g