𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗲

Healthy pickled beets are a delightful addition to your diet, offering a tangy and slightly sweet flavor with a satisfying crunch. These pickled beets are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a fantastic snack or a versatile ingredient in various dishes. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to pickling beets at home while maintaining their natural goodness.

Ingredients

For the Pickled Beets:

• 3-4 medium-sized fresh beets
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• 3-4 cloves garlic, peeled
• Optional: fresh herbs like dill or thyme for extra flavor

Instructions

Preparing the Beets:

1. Select and Clean Beets: Choose fresh beets with smooth, unblemished skin. Trim the beet greens, leaving about an inch of the stems. Save the beet greens for other recipes. Scrub the beets thoroughly to remove any dirt.
2. Boil the Beets: Place the cleaned beets in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the beets for about 30-45 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the beets.
3. Cool and Peel: Once the beets are tender, drain them and let them cool. Once cooled, use your fingers or a paring knife to peel the skin off the beets. Wear gloves if you want to avoid staining your hands with beet juice.
4. Slice or Dice: Slice the peeled beets into rounds or dice them into bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference. Place the sliced or diced beets in a clean, dry, and sterilized glass jar or jars.

Making the Pickling Liquid:

5. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, granulated sugar, salt, whole black peppercorns, bay leaf, and peeled garlic cloves. If you like, add fresh herbs like dill or thyme for extra flavor.
6. Heat and Dissolve: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt completely dissolve. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then remove it from the heat.

Pickling the Beets:

7. Pour Over Beets: Carefully pour the hot pickling liquid over the sliced or diced beets in the glass jar(s). Ensure that the beets are completely covered by the liquid.
8. Cool and Seal: Let the jar(s) cool to room temperature. Once cool, seal the jar(s) tightly with lids.
9. Refrigerate: Place the sealed jar(s) in the refrigerator. Allow the pickled beets to marinate for at least 24 hours before enjoying. The longer they sit, the more intense the flavor will become.

Serving:

10. Serve the healthy pickled beets as a snack, a side dish, or as an ingredient in salads, sandwiches, or wraps. They add a burst of color, flavor, and nutrition to your meals.

Variations and Tips

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few slices of fresh chili pepper to the pickling liquid for a spicy kick.
• Experiment with Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Some prefer a sweeter pickled beet, while others enjoy a more tangy flavor.
• Add Citrus Zest: For a citrusy twist, try adding a strip of lemon or orange zest to the pickling liquid.
• Store Properly: Store the pickled beets in the refrigerator. They will keep for several weeks to a few months, although they’re best when consumed within a month or two.
• Reuse the Pickling Liquid: The pickling liquid can be reused for another batch of beets. Simply strain it and bring it back to a boil before pouring it over freshly prepared beets.

Homemade pickled beets are a delightful and nutritious addition to your culinary repertoire. With this healthy pickled beets recipe, you can enjoy the vibrant flavor and crisp texture of beets while reaping their numerous health benefits. Whether as a stand-alone snack or a flavorful ingredient in various dishes, these pickled beets are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.