If you’re looking for a simple way to elevate your meals, try making these homemade pickled beets. This recipe requires no special canning equipment and delivers a crisp, flavorful result that will impress your family and friends. The process is straightforward, involving just two main stages: cooking the beets and making a quick brine. The combination of warm spices and vinegar perfectly complements the natural earthiness of the beets. Let’s get started on making this colorful and tasty treat.
You will need about eight large beets. Clean them thoroughly under cool water, using a brush if necessary. Trim the tops, leaving roughly one inch of the stem attached to help preserve their vibrant color. Place the prepared beets in a large pot and add enough water to cover them by an inch or so. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork, about twenty-five to thirty minutes.
Drain the hot water from the pot and let the beets cool down until you can handle them comfortably. Once cool, peel the beets; the skins should rub off easily. Cut the peeled beets into slices or chunks and transfer them to a large bowl. Now, it’s time to prepare the pickling liquid. In a saucepan, add one cup of vinegar, half a cup of sugar, a teaspoon and a half of whole cloves, the same quantity of whole allspice, and half a teaspoon of salt.
Place the saucepan on the stove over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves. This will take about five minutes. As soon as the brine is clear and bubbling, carefully pour it over the sliced beets in the bowl. The hot liquid will begin to work its pickling magic immediately, so make sure all the beet pieces are submerged.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least one hour. This chilling time allows the beets to fully absorb the sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors of the brine. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become. To serve, use a slotted spoon to transfer the beets to a serving dish, leaving the excess brine behind. These homemade pickled beets are a delightful combination of sweet and sour with a hint of spice, making them the perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of dishes.
