Pickled beets are a healthy and flavorful side dish that pairs well with many meals! The tangy sweetness of the vinegar, combined with the earthy flavor of the beets, makes for a delicious treat. Hereโs a simple recipe for Healthy Pickled Beets that you can make at home:
Ingredients:
- 4-5 medium-sized beets (fresh or pre-cooked)
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar, depending on your preference)
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for a healthier sweetener option)
- 1-2 cloves garlic (optional)
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- Fresh herbs (like dill or thyme, optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beets:
- If you’re using fresh beets, wash them thoroughly and trim the stems and roots. You can roast, boil, or steam the beets to cook them. To boil, place the beets in a pot of water, bring to a boil, and cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until tender (you should be able to pierce them with a fork).
- After cooking, let the beets cool, then peel the skins off (they should come off easily). Cut the beets into thin slices or cubes, depending on your preference.
- Prepare the Pickling Brine:
- In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, honey or maple syrup, garlic, mustard seeds, peppercorns, salt, and ground ginger.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the honey/syrup and salt.
- Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Pickling the Beets:
- Place the sliced/cubed beets into a clean jar or container. If you like, you can add a few sprigs of fresh herbs like dill or thyme for extra flavor.
- Pour the hot pickling brine over the beets, ensuring theyโre fully covered by the liquid.
- Seal the jar and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the beets for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
- Serve:
- Once pickled, your beets can be served as a side dish, tossed into salads, or eaten as a healthy snack. Theyโll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks.
Health Benefits:
- Rich in Nutrients: Beets are full of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins like folate, potassium, and vitamin C.
- Supports Digestion: The vinegar and the fiber in the beets can support digestion and help maintain healthy gut flora.
- Anti-inflammatory: Beets have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Optional Variations:
- Spicy Pickled Beets: Add a couple of red pepper flakes or a small sliced jalapeรฑo for a spicy twist.
- Citrus Pickled Beets: Add a bit of orange or lemon zest to the brine for a citrusy flavor.
- Herbed Pickled Beets: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or bay leaves in the brine for different flavor profiles.
Enjoy your healthy pickled beets! Theyโre a great addition to any meal or just on their own as a tasty snack. Would you like more ideas for using pickled beets in dishes?