By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on September 23, 2023 | Last Updated on September 26, 2023
Pickled beets are a classic Southern-style appetizer that has been enjoyed for generations. These tart and sweet pickles are often served as an accompaniment to lunch or dinner, as they offer a flavorful way to break up the monotony of more traditional dishes.
Old-fashioned restaurant-style pickled beets are not only delicious, but they are also easy to make at home with the right ingredients and instructions. With just a few simple steps and items, you can have restaurant-quality pickled beets in no time.
So, if you’re looking for an easy snack that also packs a delicious punch, then look no further than this homemade Old Fashioned Pickled Beet.
What is Old Fashioned Pickled Beet,?
Pickled beets are a longtime favorite side dish in old-fashioned Southern restaurants. They’re an easy way to add some delicious color and texture to your plate. Pickling beets is also an excellent way to preserve the vegetable so that you can have it for several weeks.
Old Fashioned Pickled Beets are made using a simple pickling liquid composed of white vinegar, sugar, and water. The beets are thinly sliced and marinated in this mixture for several hours.
This traditional pickling method is easy to follow and can be adapted with different ingredients and flavors to create new variations of this delicious pickle.
What does it taste like?
Pickled beets have a sour and sweet flavor that is complemented by the crunchy texture of the pickled vegetable.
The vinegar in the pickling liquid gives the beets their tart taste, while the sugar helps to balance out this flavor with some sweetness.
These delicious pickles have a unique flavor that makes them stand out from other side dishes. The pickling liquid also helps to keep the beets crunchy.
How did I first get introduced to the Old Fashioned Pickled Beetan?
I first heard about Old-Fashioned Pickled Beets during my visit to Madison, Wisconsin. I had the pleasure of eating at an old-fashioned restaurant that served them as an appetizer.
I was instantly smitten with the unique flavor and texture of these pickles and knew I wanted to recreate this delicious dish myself.
When I asked the chef how he made them, he was more than happy to share his recipe with me. He explained the simple process of pickling beets and provided detailed instructions on how to make the pickling liquid.
I was so excited to give it a try that I went home right away and bought all the ingredients needed for this. After preparing everything, I was finally ready to make my own pickled beets.
The whole process of making the pickles was surprisingly easy and hassle-free. After preparing it, I was ready to sample my homemade pickled beets. The taste and texture were exactly like the restaurant-style pickles.
I was so proud of mastering this on my own and thrilled that it tasted just like the ones I had in Madison. Since then, Old Fashioned Pickled Beets have been a regular feature in my household.
I often make them as an appetizer for special occasions, or just to have something different to snack on during the day. These delicious pickles never fail to impress my friends and family, and they’re always thrilled when I tell them how easy it is to make.
Making Old Fashioned Pickled Beets has become one of my favorite hobbies. I have even started experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to create new variations of this delicious pickle.
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How to make Old Fashioned Pickled Beet?
Making Old Fashioned Pickled Beets is surprisingly easy and only takes a few simple steps.
Ingredients
- White Vinegar: White vinegar is used to give pickled beets their distinct sour flavor.
- Sugar: Sugar helps to balance out the tangy flavor of white vinegar and makes your pickles sweet.
- Beets: Beets are what give these pickles their vibrant color and sweetness.
- Water: Water is used to dilute the vinegar and sugar mixture for the pickling liquid.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Prepping the Beets
- Start by prepping the beets for pickling. Peel and thinly slice the beets using a mandoline or sharp knife.
- Place the sliced beets in a non-reactive bowl, such as glass or stainless steel.
Step 2
Make the Pickling Liquid
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and vinegar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3
Pickling the Beets
- Pour the hot liquid over the sliced beets and let them cool.
- Once cooled, transfer the beets and liquid to a sealable jar or container.
- Cover and store in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours before serving.
Tips
- Try adding different herbs and spices to the pickling liquid such as rosemary, peppercorns, bay leaves, or cloves for added flavor.
- Beets can also be pickled in a sweet and sour brine instead of the classic white vinegar and sugar.
- Make sure to clean all utensils, containers, and jars before using them for pickling as this will prevent any unwanted bacteria from forming.
- If you don’t have time to wait 8 hours before serving, try boiling the pickles for 3-5 minutes before transferring them to the refrigerator. This will help speed up the pickling process and ensure all of the flavors are evenly distributed.
- For an extra spark of flavor, try adding a few slices of fresh lemon or orange to the pickling liquid. This will add a nice citrusy note that complements the already tart and sweet flavors of the beets.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Old Fashioned Pickled Beet?
Old Fashioned Pickled Beets are a delicious and nutritious side dish that pairs well with many different kinds of food. These pickles can be served as part of a larger meal such as salads, sandwiches, or burgers. They can also be served alone as an appetizer or snack.
Pickled beets are especially great for adding color and flavor to salads. They pair well with leafy greens, nuts, and fruits for a delicious summer salad. Beets can also be added to sandwiches or burgers.
How to store leftover Old Fashioned Pickled Beet?
Leftover pickles can be stored in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. The pickling liquid will help keep them fresh for up to two weeks. If the pickles start to lose their crunchy texture, it is best to discard them and make a new batch of pickles.
It is important to ensure the beets remain submerged in the pickling liquid at all times. This will help prolong their shelf-life and prevent them from going bad too quickly.
Pickles should also be stored away from heat and direct sunlight to ensure they remain crisp for as long as possible.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can safely enjoy Old Fashioned Pickled Beets as long as they are consumed in moderation. The pickles contain naturally occurring vitamins and minerals which can provide beneficial nutrition for a growing baby.
Pickles also contain small amounts of salt and vinegar, both of which can be consumed safely in moderation while pregnant.
It is important to keep sodium intake to a minimum during pregnancy, so pregnant women should limit their pickle consumption to 1-2 servings per day.
Pickled beets can provide several nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and iron which are important for the healthy development of the baby. They are also low in calories and fat which makes them an ideal snack or side dish when consumed in moderation.
Pregnant women should always consult their doctor before consuming any new food, including pickles. By following a few simple guidelines, pregnant women can safely enjoy Old Fashioned Pickled Beets as part of a healthy pregnancy diet.
Old Fashioned Pickled Beets Recipe
Equipment
- jar
- or container
Ingredients
- 2 1/8 cups of white vinegar
- 4 beets
- 2 cups of water
- 2 cups of sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the beets by peeling and thinly slicing. Place in a non-reactive bowl such as glass or stainless steel.
- In a medium saucepan, combine white vinegar, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat and stir until sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Pour the hot liquid over the sliced beets and let them cool. Transfer to a sealable jar or container, cover, and store in the refrigerator before serving.
Notes
- Try adding different herbs and spices to the pickling liquid such as rosemary, peppercorns, bay leaves, or cloves for added flavor.
- Beets can also be pickled in a sweet and sour brine instead of the classic white vinegar and sugar.
- Make sure to clean all utensils, containers, and jars before using them for pickling as this will prevent any unwanted bacteria from forming.
- If you don’t have time to wait 8 hours before serving, try boiling the pickles for 3-5 minutes before transferring them to the refrigerator. This will help speed up the pickling process and ensure all of the flavors are evenly distributed.
- For an extra spark of flavor, try adding a few slices of fresh lemon or orange to the pickling liquid. This will add a nice citrusy note that complements the already tart and sweet flavors of the beets.
FAQs
Can I use different spices in these pickled beets?
Yes! Feel free to customize the pickling liquid by adding different herbs and spices like rosemary, peppercorns, bay leaves, or cloves for a unique twist on classic pickled beets.
Is it possible to can the pickles?
Yes, you can also use a water bath method to safely can the pickles for longer-term storage.
Can I substitute sugar with something else?
Yes, you can also use agave nectar, honey, or other natural sweeteners as a substitute for sugar.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, this is completely gluten-free. All of the ingredients used in this are naturally gluten-free. If you have a severe allergy to gluten, it is best to double-check the labels of all ingredients before using them.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for reading this step-by-step guide to making Old Fashioned Pickled Beets! We hope you enjoyed learning how to make Old Fashioned Pickled Beets and have fun experimenting with different herbs and spices.
Please share this article with your friends and family if you liked it. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them in the comment section below.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
