Pickled Beets Recipe
A simple, classic recipe for sweet and tangy pickled beets.
Ingredients
Beets
- 8 medium fresh beets
Pickling Brine
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons whole allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prepare the Beets
- Scrub the beets thoroughly and trim the tops, leaving about 1 inch of stem attached.
- Place the beets in a large pot and add enough water to completely cover them.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until the beets are tender, about 25–30 minutes.
- Remove the beets from the pot and let them cool.
- Once cool enough to handle, peel the beets and slice them.
- Place the sliced beets in a bowl and set aside.
Make the Pickling Brine
- In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, whole cloves, whole allspice, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Let it boil gently for about 5 minutes to dissolve the sugar and allow the flavors to blend.
Pickle and Chill
- Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the sliced beets in the bowl, ensuring they are well covered.
- Allow the beets to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so the flavors can develop.
- Drain the beets before serving, if desired.
Enjoy your homemade pickled beets as a side dish, salad topping, or tangy accompaniment to your favorite meals.
