Homemade pickled beets are a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. They offer a sweet and tangy flavor that can transform any dish into something special. There’s something incredibly satisfying about making pickles at home, and there’s no need to wait for the farmers’ market season to enjoy fresh, vibrant pickled beets. Whether you are serving them at a holiday dinner, adding them to a salad, or simply snacking on them straight from the jar, their versatility and vibrant color can brighten any meal.
Why you’ll love this dish
There’s a myriad of reasons to dive into homemade pickled beets! Firstly, they are surprisingly easy to make and require only a handful of ingredients. Imagine the satisfaction of creating a jar of colorful beets in your kitchen instead of purchasing the store-bought version. Plus, they are a fantastic way to preserve beets, allowing you to enjoy their earthy sweetness long after the harvest season.
These pickled beets are perfect for meal prep too. A quick addition to salads or sandwiches, they easily elevate simple dishes. And, if you’re someone who enjoys bold flavors, the optional spices like cloves and cinnamon will delight your taste buds!
“I never knew pickled beets could taste so good! I paired them with goat cheese and arugula in my salad, and it was heavenly!”
How this recipe comes together
Making homemade pickled beets is a simple yet rewarding process. You start with boiling beets until they’re tender, then you’ll peel, slice, and prepare a sweet and tangy brine. Finally, you pack the beets into jars, cover them with brine, and allow them to chill in the fridge. The transformation is quick, but the flavors develop wonderfully over time, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
What you’ll need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to crafting these delicious pickled beets. Here’s what you need:
- 6 medium beets (washed and trimmed)
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns (optional)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Feel free to play with the spices; the optional ingredients can add a depth of flavor that is simply divine!
