Beautifully colored and not overly spicy. This is how my mom always made her pickled beets, and I continue the tradition.
Ingredients:
8 medium fresh beets
1 cup vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons whole cloves
1-1/2 teaspoons whole allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Scrub beets and trim tops to 1 in. Place in a Dutch oven; add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 25-30 minutes or until tender. Remove from water; cool. Peel beets and slice; place in a bowl and set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, cloves, allspice and salt. Bring to a boil; boil 5 minutes. Pour over beets. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Drain before serving
Here are some variations and tips to enhance your pickled beets:
Variations:
- Spiced Pickled Beets:
- Add a cinnamon stick and a few slices of fresh ginger to the pickling liquid for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Citrus Pickled Beets:
- Add a few strips of orange or lemon zest to the pickling liquid for a bright citrus note.
- Herbed Pickled Beets:
- Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or thyme into the jars before adding the beets. These herbs add a refreshing and aromatic touch.
- Honey Pickled Beets:
- Substitute part of the sugar with honey for a richer, more complex sweetness.
- Mixed Veggie Pickle:
- Combine beets with other root vegetables like carrots, turnips, or radishes for a colorful and diverse pickle mix.
Tips:
- Uniform Slicing:
- Slice the beets uniformly for even pickling. A mandoline slicer can help achieve consistent thickness.
- Peeling Beets:
- After boiling, the skins of the beets should slip off easily. Wear gloves to avoid staining your hands.
- Resting Time:
- Allow the pickled beets to rest in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before consuming. This gives the flavors time to meld and develop.
- Taste Adjustment:
- Before sealing the jars, taste the pickling liquid. Adjust the sugar, vinegar, or spices to your preference.
- Color Preservation:
- To help preserve the vibrant color of the beets, you can add a little bit of lemon juice or citric acid to the pickling liquid.
- Jar Labeling:
- Label your jars with the date of pickling. This helps in keeping track of freshness and ensures you use older jars first.
By experimenting with these variations and following these tips, you can tailor your pickled beets to suit your taste and create a unique, flavorful preserve.