Step 1: Cook the Beets
- Boil the Beets: Place the beets in a large pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the beets are fork-tender.
- Cool and Peel: Drain the beets and allow them to cool. Once cooled, the skins should easily peel off by rubbing them with your fingers or a paper towel.
- Slice or Quarter: Slice the peeled beets into ¼-inch thick rounds, or quarter them if you prefer chunkier pickled beets.
Step 2: Prepare the Pickling Liquid
- Make the Brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. If using spices like cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, or garlic, add them to the saucepan as well. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve. Reduce the heat and let the brine simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
Step 3: Pickle the Beets
- Pack the Jars: Place the sliced beets in clean, sterilized jars. You can use one large jar or several smaller ones.
- Pour the Brine: Carefully pour the hot pickling liquid over the beets in the jars, making sure the beets are fully submerged. If you’re using garlic or bay leaves, add them to the jars as well.
- Seal and Cool: Seal the jars with lids and let them cool to room temperature. Once cool, refrigerate the jars.
Step 4: Let the Beets Pickle
- Wait: For the best flavor, let the beets pickle for at least 24 hours before eating. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become.
Step 5: Serve and Store
- Enjoy: Serve your pickled beets in salads, sandwiches, or as a tangy side. These beets will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
Tips for Success
- Roasting the Beets: For an extra flavor boost, roast the beets instead of boiling them. Simply wrap each beet in foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
- Experiment with Flavors: You can customize the brine with other spices like mustard seeds, coriander seeds, or even a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.
- Use a Mandoline: For uniform slices, use a mandoline slicer. This ensures that all the beets pickle evenly.
Conclusion
Pickled beets are a wonderful combination of sweet and tangy, making them a versatile addition to many dishes. Whether you’re looking to add some zip to your salads or just enjoy them as a snack, this simple recipe delivers perfect pickled beets every time. Enjoy the vibrant color and unique flavor of this classic pickled delight!