1. Prepare the Beets:
- Start by washing and peeling the beets. You can use a vegetable peeler or a knife to remove the skins. Once peeled, slice the beets into thin rounds or wedges, depending on your preference. You can also cut them into cubes if you prefer smaller pieces.
2. Cook the Beets:
- Place the sliced beets in a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Let the beets cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. You want them to be soft but not mushy.
- Drain the beets and allow them to cool slightly before proceeding to the next step. You can also skip this step and use pre-cooked beets if you’re short on time, though fresh beets provide better flavor.
3. Make the Pickling Brine:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, honey, sea salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds, garlic, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the salt and honey. Let the brine simmer for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the sweetness or saltiness by adding a little more honey or salt, if needed.
4. Pack the Beets:
- Place the sliced, cooked beets into a sterilized glass jar or airtight container. You can pack them tightly, but make sure there’s enough room for the brine to cover the beets completely.
- If you want a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the beets as you pack them into the jar.
5. Pour the Brine Over the Beets:
- Carefully pour the hot pickling brine over the beets in the jar, making sure the beets are fully submerged. Leave about 1 inch of space at the top of the jar to allow for expansion during storage.
6. Cool and Store:
- Let the pickled beets cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, seal the jar with a lid and refrigerate. Let the beets pickle for at least 24 hours before eating to allow the flavors to fully develop, though they will get better with time. These pickled beets can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
How to Enjoy Your Healthy Pickled Beets:
- As a Snack: Pickled beets are perfect for snacking on their own. The tangy, sweet flavor combined with the earthy taste of beets makes them irresistible.
- In Salads: Toss them into fresh salads for a vibrant pop of color and a tangy kick. Pickled beets pair well with goat cheese, feta, arugula, or spinach.
- On Sandwiches or Wraps: Add pickled beets to sandwiches, wraps, or burgers to give them extra flavor and crunch.
- As a Side Dish: Serve pickled beets alongside roasted meats, fish, or grains for a tangy complement to your meal.
- With Cheese: They make a fantastic pairing with cheese, particularly creamy cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta.
Why You Should Make Pickled Beets at Home
- All-Natural Ingredients: Homemade pickled beets allow you to avoid the added sugars and preservatives often found in store-bought varieties. You control the sweetness and salt levels for a healthier version.
- Customization: You can experiment with different spices and herbs to adjust the flavor to your preference. Whether you prefer a spicier kick or a more traditional flavor, the choice is yours!
- Freshness: There’s nothing like the taste of freshly pickled beets. Making them at home ensures the best quality and maximum flavor.
Final Thoughts:
Pickled beets are an incredibly healthy and versatile snack or side dish that can elevate many meals. By following this super easy recipe, you can enjoy the tangy goodness of pickled beets while reaping all the nutritional benefits that beets offer. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious, all-natural treat that’s full of flavor and packed with health benefits. Enjoy your homemade pickled beets, and let them become a staple in your kitchen