Prepare to transform ordinary beets into a mouthwatering culinary treasure that will transport you straight to grandma's kitchen! These Old Fashioned Pickled Beets are not just a side dish—they're a vibrant, sweet-and-tangy experience that will elevate your meals from ordinary to extraordinary. With a perfect balance of sugar, vinegar, and aromatic cloves, this classic recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 80 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked beets, sliced
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
Instructions
- Prepare the beets by washing them thoroughly and trimming off the tops and roots. If using fresh beets, boil them in water until tender, about 30-40 minutes depending on size.
- Once cooked, allow beets to cool slightly, then carefully peel off the skin using your hands or a small paring knife. The skin should slip off easily after cooking.
- Slice the cooked beets into uniform, thin rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick. Set aside in a clean bowl.
- In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Add whole cloves to the liquid mixture.
- Heat the pickling liquid over medium-high heat, stirring continuously until sugar completely dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer.
- Carefully add the sliced beets to the hot pickling liquid, ensuring they are fully submerged. Gently stir to coat all beet slices.
- Reduce heat and let the beets simmer in the pickling liquid for 10-15 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors.
- Remove from heat and let the pickled beets cool to room temperature. The beets will continue to absorb the pickling liquid as they cool.
- Transfer the pickled beets and their liquid to clean, sterilized glass jars. Ensure beets are completely covered by the pickling liquid.
- Seal the jars and refrigerate. For best flavor, let the pickled beets marinate for at least 24 hours before serving.
- Pickled beets will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent contamination.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm beets with smooth skin for the best texture and flavor.
- Wear gloves when handling beets to prevent staining your hands.
- For extra flavor depth, toast the whole cloves briefly before adding them to the pickling liquid.
- Use a sharp knife to ensure uniform, thin beet slices for even pickling.
- Sterilize your glass jars thoroughly to ensure long-lasting preservation.
- Allow the pickled beets to marinate for at least 24 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
- For a variation, try adding a cinnamon stick or a few peppercorns to the pickling liquid.
- Always use clean utensils when serving to maintain the pickles' freshness and prevent contamination.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
