Old Fashioned Pickled Beets Recipe
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.
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Servings: 2
Calories: 221kcal
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.