Introduction
Pickled beets are a classic homemade preserve known for their bright color, tangy-sweet flavor, and long shelf life. Whether served as a side dish, added to salads, or enjoyed straight from the jar, they bring a refreshing balance of acidity and natural beet sweetness.
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Description
This recipe produces tender beet slices in a flavorful brine made from vinegar, sugar, and spices. The finished beets have a vibrant color, a pleasant crunch, and a balanced flavor that is both earthy and tangy. They are easy to prepare and can be stored in the refrigerator or processed for canning.
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Ingredients
2 to 3 pounds fresh beets
1 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
3 to 5 whole cloves (optional)
1 small onion, sliced (optional)
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Instructions
1. Wash beets thoroughly and cut off the greens, leaving about 1 inch of stem to prevent bleeding.
2. Place whole beets in a large pot and cover with water.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30–45 minutes, or until the beets are tender when pierced.
4. Drain and allow beets to cool enough to handle.
5. Remove skins by rubbing them off with your hands or a paper towel; they should slip off easily.
6. Slice or cube the beets as desired.
7. In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and optional spices or onion.
8. Bring the brine to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
9. Add the sliced beets to the brine and simmer for 5 minutes.
10. Transfer beets and brine into sterilized jars.
11. For refrigerator pickles, cool and store in the refrigerator.
12. For longer storage, process sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
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Tips
Use gloves when handling cooked beets to prevent staining your hands.
Choose similar-sized beets so they cook evenly.
For a stronger pickle flavor, refrigerate for at least 24 hours before eating.
Apple cider vinegar adds a slightly fruitier flavor, while white vinegar gives a sharper finish.
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Variations
Add sliced onions to the jars for extra flavor.
Use a mixture of golden and red beets for visual contrast.
Add 1 teaspoon mustard seeds or peppercorns for a spicier note.
Replace some of the sugar with brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
Add orange zest to the brine for a citrus twist.
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Correction
If the brine tastes too strong: add an extra half cup of water next time.
If the beets are too soft: shorten the simmering time or choose smaller, firmer beets.
If the brine is too sweet: reduce sugar to 3/4 cup on your next batch.
If color fades: avoid overcooking and keep jars away from direct sunlight.
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Enjoy
Serve chilled with salads, sandwiches, or roasted meats, or enjoy straight from the jar. Their flavor improves after a day or two, making them perfect for meal prep and gifting.