Ingredients
3 pounds fresh medium-sized red beets (tops removed)
2 cups white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a milder taste)
1 cup granulated sugar (or honey)
1 cup water
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
3 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick (or ½ tsp ground cinnamon)
1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
2 cloves garlic (smashed and peeled)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beets
Wash the beets thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt. Leave about 1 inch of the stems and roots intact to prevent color loss during cooking.
Place the beets in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and let them simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Cool and Peel
Drain the hot water and transfer the beets into a bowl of ice water. Once cooled, gently rub off the skins—they should slide off easily.
Trim off stems and roots, then slice the beets into rounds, wedges, or cubes—whichever you prefer.
Step 3: Fill the Jars
Place the sliced beets into clean glass jars. Add the sliced red onion evenly into each jar.
Step 4: Make the Pickling Brine
In a saucepan, combine:
Vinegar
Water
Sugar
Salt
Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, peppercorns, and garlic. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes to release the flavors of the spices.
Step 5: Combine & Store
Carefully pour the hot brine over the beets in the jars, leaving about ½ inch space at the top.
Make sure each jar gets some of the whole spices for extra flavor.
Wipe jar rims clean, seal tightly, and let them cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors
Easy to make with simple ingredients
Naturally rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
Great for meal prep, snacks, or side dishes
No preservatives—completely homemade and fresh
🌟 Tips for Best Results
Don’t overcook the beets—they should stay slightly firm
Add fresh ginger for a spicy kick
Try different vinegars like rice or red wine vinegar
Reduce sugar if you prefer a more tangy taste
Add herbs like dill for extra flavor
🥗 Serving Ideas
Add to salads with goat cheese
Serve alongside roasted meats
Use in sandwiches or wraps
Enjoy straight from the jar as a healthy snack
🧾 Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 55
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0g
❤️ Final Thoughts
Homemade Pickled Beets are more than just a recipe—they’re a simple way to bring color, flavor, and nutrition to your table. With their beautiful ruby color and bold taste, they turn any meal into something special. Once you try making them at home, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!
