Healthy Pickled Beets Recipe – Super Easy and Great Tasting, Don’t Miss It
Discover the joy of making Healthy Pickled Beets! This super easy and delicious recipe will add a burst of tangy flavor to your meals, with the added bonus of all the nutritional benefits that beets provide. Perfect for snacking, adding to salads, or enjoying as a side dish!
Why You’ll Love Healthy Pickled Beets:
Healthy Pickled Beets are a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Made with simple ingredients, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with health benefits.
- Packed with Nutrients: Beets are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote heart health and boost stamina.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, these pickled beets are ready in no time, making them a perfect quick snack or side dish.
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy: The combination of vinegar and sugar gives the beets a satisfying tangy-sweet flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile: Great for salads, sandwiches, or simply eating on their own.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Beets: Rich in folate, manganese, and antioxidants, beets help support liver function, improve digestion, and lower blood pressure.
- Vinegar: Offers a tangy flavor while also supporting digestion and blood sugar control.
- Cloves & Allspice: These spices provide an added boost of flavor and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Ingredients for Healthy Pickled Beets:
- 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
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Beets (Time: 5 minutes) Scrub the beets thoroughly and trim the tops down to about 1 inch. Place the beets in a Dutch oven and add enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool and Peel the Beets (Time: 10 minutes) Once the beets are cooked, remove them from the water and let them cool. Once cooled, peel the skins off the beets and slice them into thin rounds or wedges. Place the sliced beets in a bowl and set them aside.
- Prepare the Pickling Liquid (Time: 5 minutes) In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, whole cloves, whole allspice, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse the liquid.
- Combine the Beets and Pickling Liquid (Time: 5 minutes) Pour the hot pickling liquid over the sliced beets in the bowl. Make sure the beets are well-coated with the liquid.
- Refrigerate (Time: 1 hour) Let the beets sit and marinate in the pickling liquid for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. For best flavor, let them sit for longer if you have the time.
- Drain and Serve (Time: 2 minutes) Before serving, drain any excess liquid from the beets. Your healthy pickled beets are ready to enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Calories: Approximately 50-60 per serving
Tips for the Best Healthy Pickled Beets:
- Use Fresh Beets: For the best flavor and texture, always use fresh, firm beets.
- Refrigerate Longer: The longer the beets sit in the pickling liquid, the more flavorful they’ll become. Try to let them marinate for at least 3-4 hours or overnight.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add additional spices like cinnamon sticks, mustard seeds, or peppercorns for a unique twist.
FAQ About Healthy Pickled Beets:
Q: How should I store pickled beets?
A: Store your pickled beets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1-2 weeks.
Q: Can I use canned beets for this recipe?
A: Fresh beets work best for this recipe, but you can use canned beets if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before pickling.
Q: Are pickled beets good for you?
A: Yes! Beets are full of nutrients, and the pickling process retains many of their health benefits. They’re also a great source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Final Thoughts:
Healthy Pickled Beets are a simple, delicious, and nutritious addition to any meal. They’re an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while providing a satisfying tangy-sweet flavor. Perfect for a quick snack, a healthy side dish, or a topping for salads, this easy recipe is one you won’t want to miss. Try it today and enjoy the flavor and health benefits of these vibrant pickled beets!
If you loved these Healthy Pickled Beets, don’t forget to share them with your friends and family! Leave a comment below and let us know how they turned out. Feel free to get creative and add your own twist to the recipe!