Healthy pickled beets recipe

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 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 them. 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.

A tasty and healthy addition to any recipe book are homemade pickled beets. You can take advantage of beets’ many health advantages while also savoring their vivid flavor and crunchy texture with this nutritious pickled beet dish. These pickled beets will quickly become a kitchen favorite, whether they are eaten as a snack on their own or as a tasty addition to a variety of recipes.