Description
This Pickled Beets recipe offers tangy, sweet, and spiced beet slices preserved in a flavorful vinegar brine. It’s a classic American side dish made by boiling fresh beets until tender, then marinating them in a hot mixture of apple cider vinegar, sugar, spices, and optional red onion. Perfect for adding a vibrant and zesty kick to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beets
- 2 pounds fresh beets, tops removed and scrubbed
Pickling Brine
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)
Additional
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Beets: Place the cleaned beets in a large pot and cover completely with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes until the beets are fork-tender.
- Peel and Slice: Drain the beets and let them cool enough to handle. Rub the skins off using your hands or a paper towel. Slice the peeled beets into 1/4-inch rounds or wedges according to preference.
- Prepare the Brine: In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, ground cloves, ground allspice, and the cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
- Assemble the Pickles: In a clean glass jar or container, layer the sliced beets and optional thinly sliced red onion.
- Add the Brine: Pour the hot brine over the beets and onions, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the jar to cool to room temperature, then cover it and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to fully develop.
Notes
- Pickled beets can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.
- For a colorful variation, try using golden beets instead of red beets.
- Add fresh herbs such as dill or thyme to the jar for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
