Preserving Beets with Quick Pickling at home is a rewarding way to enjoy their earthy flavor all year round. This quick pickle recipe is perfect for preserving beets without the complexities of traditional canning methods. It’s an easy and effective way to make refrigerator pickles that add a delightful tang to any dish.
Refrigerator Pickles vs. Canned Beets
This quick pickle recipe focuses on refrigerator pickles, which are faster and simpler than those processed in a water bath canner. While these pickles won’t last as long as canned versions, they are ready much sooner—often in just an hour. This makes them a great option for anyone looking for a speedy pickling solution.
Preserving Beets with Quick Pickling: An Easy Method
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 8 Medium Beets if fresh, trimmed, peeled, and sliced into thick slices. If canned, drain the liquid.
- 1 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar or white vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 Cup Cold Water
- 3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Whole Cloves
- ¼ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon optional
- 3 Cloves Garlic peeled and smashed, optional
text ingredients
Instructions
- Start by thoroughly washing the beets. If fresh, cook them in a large pot of boiling water for 15-20 minutes. Drain and cool them under cold water. Peel off the skins and remove the roots and tops. Slice them into thick pieces.
- In a small saucepan, mix apple cider vinegar, cold water, granulated sugar, salt, and whole cloves. For added flavor, include garlic and ground cinnamon if desired. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve.
- Add the sliced beets to the brine and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature in the brine.
- Place the beets and brine in canning jars or airtight containers, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. This recipe will fill around 3-4 pint jars.
- Seal the jars tightly and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll be ready to eat after 4 hours. If you can wait for 24 hours, the flavors will deepen. They keep well for 2-4 weeks.
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Serving Suggestions
We snack on them just as they are. You can also enjoy pickled beets as a side dish, healthy snack, or add them to a salad.
Tuna Salad: A simple tuna salad with mayonnaise, celery, and onions makes a delightful pairing.
Sandwiches: Try adding pickled beets to sandwiches with hard-boiled eggs, feta cheese, and dill for a quick snack.
Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes roasted to perfection make a hearty side.
They are quite delicious as it. Serve in a pretty dish to enhance a charcuterie board or as a colorful topping for sandwiches.
Recipe Variations
Sweet Pickled Beets: Use brown sugar or maple syrup in place of some of the granulated sugar.
Spicy Pickled Beets: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeño slices.
Herbed Beets: Add fresh dill, parsley, or thyme to the brine for extra flavor.
Use Different Types of Vinegar: You can use white vinegar or white wine vinegar based on your taste preference.
Storage and Shelf Life
For the best results, store pickled beets in the refrigerator. If you want to preserve them for longer, use a water bath canner or pressure canner, following safe canning practices.
Canning Pickled Beets
This recipe also works well for canning your beets. Just follow normal canning procedures for sterilization and sealing jars.
Here are some recipe tips to ensure your pickled beets turn out perfectly.
Choose Fresh Beets: For the best flavor, use fresh, firm beets. Look for beets that are free of soft spots or blemishes.
Uniform Slicing: Slice the beets into uniform pieces to ensure they pickle evenly. Aim for thick slices, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
Blanch Properly: If using fresh beets, blanch them in boiling water until tender but not mushy. This helps preserve their texture and color.
Cool Before Storing: Let the beets cool to room temperature in the brine. This step helps prevent air bubbles and ensures even pickling.
Avoid Air Bubbles: To avoid air bubbles, gently tap the jars on the counter or use a utensil to release any trapped air before sealing.
Use Quality Vinegar: Choose a high-quality vinegar, like apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, for the best flavor. Avoid using vinegars with added flavors or colors.
Adjust Sweetness: Customize the sweetness of your pickled beets by adjusting the amount of sugar or substituting with maple syrup.
Add Flavorings: Enhance the flavor of your pickled beets by adding spices like whole cloves, ground cinnamon, or garlic to the brine.
Experiment with Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create unique flavor profiles. Fresh dill, thyme, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can add an extra layer of taste.
Refrigerate Properly: Store the pickled beets in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will develop more flavor over time but are ready to eat after just a few hours.
Canning Tips for Success
Label and Date: If making large batches, label and date your jars. This will help you keep track of their freshness and avoid using them past their prime.
Use Proper Canning Techniques: If you plan to preserve the beets for long-term storage, follow proper canning techniques, including using a water bath canner and ensuring jars are sealed correctly.
Check for Seal: Ensure that the jars are sealed properly if using a canning method. The lids should be concave and not easily pushed down.
By following these tips, you’ll achieve crisp, flavorful pickled beets every time.
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.
Delicious recipe. I fill a gallon jar with these.