Last Updated on December 11, 2023
Old fashioned pickled beets recipe is a classic side dish that has been around for centuries. It is a delicious and simple way to add a tangy and sweet flavor to any meal. This recipe is easy to make and uses only a few ingredients for a tasty and healthy side dish. Whether you are looking for a flavorful salad topper or a side dish to accompany your main course, this recipe is sure to please.
What is old fashioned pickled beets recipe?
Old fashioned pickled beets recipe is a classic and flavorful pickled beets recipe that has been around for centuries.
It involves pickling fresh beets in a vinegar, sugar, and spice mixture. The pickling process infuses the beets with a tangy and sweet flavor, while also preserving them for up to several days.
The end result is a delicious and healthy side dish that can be added to salads, sandwiches, or served as a side dish to accompany a main course.
Why You’ll Love this old fashioned pickled beets recipe?
This old fashioned pickled beets recipe is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to any meal. It is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The pickling process infuses the beets with a tangy and sweet flavor, while also preserving them for several days. Pickled beets are also a great source of vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, and Magnesium. In addition, pickled beets are low in calories and fat, making them a great addition to any healthy diet.
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The Ingredients
Boiled Beets:
Organic, vibrant red beets: These beets are typically used because of their vibrant color and natural sweetness. The deep red color intensifies during pickling, providing visual appeal and indicating readiness.
Fragrant apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the pickled beets. Its fragrance complements the earthiness of the beets and helps preserve them by creating an acidic environment.
Mineral-rich vegetable broth: Vegetable broth enhances the flavor profile of the beets during boiling and adds an extra layer of savory depth to the dish. It also infuses additional nutrients into the beets.
Pickled Beets:
Filtered, crisp spring water: Using filtered spring water ensures purity in the pickling process, preventing any impurities or unwanted flavors from affecting the final taste of the pickled beets.
Golden raw cane sugar: Raw cane sugar adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the vinegar and enhances the overall flavor profile of the pickled beets. The golden color of the sugar complements the deep red of the beets, resulting in an appetizing appearance.
Smooth, distilled white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar brings a milder acidity compared to other vinegars, which allows the natural sweetness of the beets to shine through while still providing the necessary acidic environment for pickling.
Directions
Step 1: Preparation of Beets
Wash the Beets: Thoroughly clean the beets under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Trim the Beets: Cut off the beet greens, leaving about an inch of the stems attached to prevent bleeding during cooking.
Boil the Beets: Place the prepared beets in a large pot and cover them with water. Boil the beets until they’re fork-tender, usually taking around 30-45 minutes based on their size.
Step 2: Peeling and Slicing
Drain and Cool: Once cooked, drain the beets and let them cool for a few minutes until they’re cool enough to handle.
Peel the Beets: Using your fingers or a knife, peel off the skins of the beets. They should easily come off after boiling.
Slice the Beets: Cut the cooked beets into your preferred size and shape, such as rounds, cubes, or wedges. Set aside.
Step 3: Preparing the Pickling Solution
Combine Ingredients: In a separate pot, mix filtered spring water, golden raw cane sugar, and distilled white wine vinegar.
Heat and Dissolve: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it gently boil and simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Packing the Jars
Sterilize Jars: Sterilize glass jars by boiling them in hot water or using a dishwasher cycle.
Fill Jars: Place the sliced beets into the sterilized jars, leaving some space at the top.
Step 5: Pouring the Pickling Solution
Add Solution: Carefully pour the hot pickling solution over the beets in the jars, ensuring they’re entirely covered. Leave about ¼ inch of space at the top of each jar.
Step 6: Sealing the Jars
Clean Rims: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.
Seal Tight: Seal the jars tightly with their lids.
Step 7: Cooling and Storing
Cool Down: Let the jars cool to room temperature on the counter.
Refrigerate: Once cooled, store the pickled beets in the refrigerator. They’ll enhance in flavor over time and can be enjoyed after a few days.
Step 8: Enjoying the Pickled Beets
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pickled beets as a side dish, add them to salads, sandwiches, or use them as a flavorful addition to various recipes.
Notes
• Make sure to use fresh beets for the best flavor and texture.
• You can adjust the amount of sugar and salt to your taste.
• If you don’t have all of the spices on hand, you can substitute with other flavors such as dill, caraway, or coriander.
• You can store the pickled beets in the refrigerator for up to one month.
• The longer you leave the beets to pickle, the more intense the flavor will be.
Storage Tips
The pickled beets should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month. Be sure to label the container with the date so you know when it was made.
Nutrition Information
One serving (1/2 cup) of old fashioned pickled beets contains approximately:
• Calories: 46
• Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbs: 10 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
Serving Suggestions
• Serve as a side dish with grilled meats.
• Top a bed of greens with pickled beets for a flavorful salad.
• Serve as a condiment for sandwiches and burgers.
• Add to a charcuterie board.
• Enjoy as a snack with crackers and cheese.
What other substitute can I use in old fashioned pickled beets recipe?
• White Vinegar: White vinegar can be substituted for apple cider vinegar. It will give the beets a more intense pickled flavor.
• Honey: If you don’t have sugar on hand, you can substitute with honey for a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Herbs: You can substitute the spices in this recipe with other herbs such as rosemary, oregano, or thyme.
• Shallots: If you don’t have garlic on hand, you can substitute with shallots for a mild onion flavor.
• Carrots: If you don’t have beets on hand, you can substitute with carrots for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Equipment
- Pot
Ingredients
Boiled Beets:
- 2-4 tablespoons of fragrant apple cider vinegar
- 2-4 organic vibrant red beets
- 1-2 cups of mineral-rich vegetable broth
Pickled Beets:
- 2 cups of golden raw cane sugar
- 2 cups of filtered water
- 2 cups of smooth white wine vinegar
Instructions
STEP 1 – Preparation of Beets:
- Wash the beets thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Trim off the beet greens, leaving about an inch of the stems attached to prevent bleeding.
- Place the beets in a large pot and cover them with water. Boil the beets until they are fork-tender, typically taking about 30-45 minutes depending on their size.
STEP 2 – Peeling and Slicing:
- Once the beets are cooked, drain them and let them cool for a few minutes until they’re cool enough to handle.
- Using your fingers or a knife, peel off the skins of the beets. They should come off easily after boiling.
- Slice the cooked beets into your desired size and shape, whether rounds, cubes, or wedges. Set aside.
STEP 3 – Preparing the Pickling Solution:
- In a separate pot, combine the filtered spring water, golden raw cane sugar, and distilled white wine vinegar.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. Bring it to a gentle boil and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
STEP 4 – Packing the Jars:
- Sterilize glass jars by boiling them in hot water or running them through a dishwasher cycle.
- Place the sliced beets into the sterilized jars, leaving some space at the top.
STEP 5 – Pouring the Pickling Solution:
- Carefully pour the hot pickling solution over the beets in the jars, ensuring they are completely covered. Leave about ¼ inch of space at the top of each jar.
STEP 6 – Sealing the Jars:
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.
- Seal the jars tightly with their lids.
STEP 7 – Cooling and Storing:
- Allow the jars to cool to room temperature on the counter.
- Once cooled, store the pickled beets in the refrigerator. They will improve in flavor over time and can be enjoyed after a few days.
STEP 8 – Enjoying the Pickled Beets:
- Serve the pickled beets as a side dish, in salads, sandwiches, or as a flavorful addition to various recipes.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long do the pickled beets last?
A1: The pickled beets can last up to one month in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Q2: Can I use other types of vinegar for this recipe?
A2: Yes, you can use other types of vinegar such as white vinegar, red wine vinegar, or rice vinegar.
Q3: Can I freeze the pickled beets?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the pickled beets for up to three months.
Q4: Is it necessary to peel the beets before pickling?
A4: Yes, it is best to peel the beets before pickling to ensure that the pickling liquid penetrates the beets and infuses them with flavor.
Q5: What other vegetables can I pickle?
A5: You can pickle a variety of vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, onions, and peppers.
Q6: Can I omit the sugar from the recipe?
A6: Yes, you can omit the sugar from the recipe if desired. The pickled beets will still have a tangy flavor.
Q7: Is it necessary to boil the beets before pickling?
A7: Yes, it is best to boil the beets before pickling to ensure that they are cooked through.
Conclusion
Old fashioned pickled beets recipe is a classic side dish that has been around for centuries. It is a delicious and simple way to add a tangy and sweet flavor to any meal.
This recipe is easy to make and uses only a few ingredients for a tasty and healthy side dish. Whether you are looking for a flavorful salad topper or a side dish to accompany your main course, this recipe is sure to please.
Pickled beets are a great source of vitamins and minerals, and are low in calories and fat, making them a great addition to any healthy diet.