Miracle Recipe Perfectly Pickled Red Beet Pieces
Every year, as the seasons turn, there’s a special recipe that many look forward to making—pickled red beet pieces. This “miracle recipe” not only preserves the vibrant flavor of red beets but also ensures you can enjoy this nutritious root vegetable all year round. With its stunning deep crimson color and sweet, earthy taste, pickled beets are a beloved staple in many pantries.
Why Pickled Beets?
Red beet are known for their health benefits, including high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Pickling them enhances their flavor and extends their shelf life, making it a practical and tasty way to keep them on hand. Whether added to salads, served as a side, or enjoyed straight from the jar, pickled beets are as versatile as they are delicious.
Ingredients:
3 large red beets, scrubbed clean
1 cup water
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup sugar or a sugar substitute
1 teaspoon salt
2 cloves of garlic, peeled
1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Optional: a few sprigs of fresh dill or a cinnamon stick for added flavor
Instructions:
Prepare the Beets: Cook the beets by boiling them in water until tender, about 45 minutes. Once cooled, peel the beets and slice them into thick pieces or wedges.
Make the Pickling Brine: In a saucepan, combine water, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. Add the garlic and peppercorns to infuse the brine with additional flavors.
Layer the Ingredients: In a clean jar, layer the sliced beets and red onion. If using, add the dill or cinnamon stick between the layers for extra flavor.
Pour the Brine: Carefully pour the hot brine over the beet and onion layers, ensuring that the liquid covers them completely. The heat from the brine will help meld the flavors together.
Seal and Store: Close the jar tightly and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the pickled beets. They will be ready to eat after 24 hours, but the flavors continue to develop and improve over time.
Serving Suggestions
Pickled beets are a fantastic addition to salads, especially with goat cheese and walnuts. They also make a colorful and flavorful accompaniment to hearty meals, such as roasts and stews.
This simple, miracle recipe for pickled red beets captures the essence of home preservation and provides a delicious, healthful treat that celebrates the flavors of the season. Enjoy your homemade pickled beets and the delightful tang they bring to your dishes!