Vibrant Homemade Pickled Beets

 

Unlock the vibrant, earthy-sweet flavor of beets with this timeless recipe for homemade pickles. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, these artisanal pickled beets are a stunning addition to salads, charcuterie boards, or as a simple, delicious snack straight from the jar. Create a jewel-toned pantry staple that brings a burst of flavor and color to any meal.

Ingredients

For the Beets:

• 6 medium fresh beets, washed with greens trimmed to 1 inch

For the Pickling Brine:

• 1 cup crisp white vinegar (5% acidity)

• 1 cup water

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Optional Aromatic Spices:

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• ½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns

• 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

1. Cook the Beets: Place the whole, unpeeled beets in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the beets are fork-tender. The cooking time will vary depending on their size.

2. Prepare the Brine: While the beets are cooking, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and any optional spices in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved. Reduce the heat and keep the brine hot.

3. Peel and Slice: Once the beets are tender, drain them and rinse with cold water until they are cool enough to handle. The skins should slip off easily with your fingers. Slice the peeled beets into rounds or cut them into cubes as desired.

4. Pack the Jars: Pack the sliced beets into a clean, sterilized quart-sized glass jar (or two pint-sized jars).

5. Pickle the Beets: Carefully pour the hot pickling brine over the beets in the jar, ensuring they are fully submerged. Leave about ½ inch of headspace at the top.

6. Seal and Store: Seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid. Let it cool to room temperature on the counter before transferring to the refrigerator.

7. Let the Flavors Meld: For the best flavor, allow the beets to pickle in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 days before enjoying. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to a month.