Description
This homemade pickled beets recipe offers tangy, sweet, and spiced beet slices that make a perfect side dish or condiment. Made with fresh beets simmered until tender and preserved in a flavorful pickling brine of apple cider vinegar, sugar, and warming spices, these pickled beets are easy to prepare and store. Ideal for adding color and zest to salads, sandwiches, or charcuterie boards, they need just a day in the fridge to develop their delicious flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Beets
- 2 pounds fresh beets, trimmed and scrubbed
Pickling Liquid
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Beets: Place the trimmed and scrubbed beets in a large pot and cover them completely with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the beets for 30 to 40 minutes, or until they are fork-tender when pierced.
- Prepare the Beets: Drain the beets and allow them to cool enough to handle safely. Peel off the skins—they should slip off easily—and slice the beets into 1/4-inch thick rounds or wedges.
- Make the Pickling Brine: In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, black peppercorns, cloves, bay leaf, and mustard seeds if using. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes to fully dissolve the sugar and allow the flavors to meld.
- Pack the Jars: Sterilize glass jars thoroughly. Pack the sliced beets tightly into the jars, leaving minimal air gaps.
- Pour and Seal: Carefully pour the hot pickling liquid over the packed beets, ensuring they are fully submerged in the brine. Seal the jars with lids and let them cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate and Marinate: Refrigerate the sealed jars for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop before serving. The pickled beets can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
- Pickled beets keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
- For long-term storage, follow proper canning procedures to preserve the pickled beets safely.
- For flavor variation, try adding sliced onions or fresh herbs like dill to the jars.
