Old Fashioned Pickled Beets Recipe – Hungarian Chef

Old-fashioned pickled beets are a classic, timeless recipe that is sure to please everyone. This sweet and tangy pickling mixture with beets creates a unique flavor that is sure to leave your taste buds delighted. 

Not only are pickled beets delicious, but they are also incredibly easy to make! With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can have a delicious side dish ready in no time.

What is old fashioned pickled beets?

Old fashioned pickled beets recipe is a classic recipe that has been around for centuries. It is a simple recipe that involves marinating beets in a pickling mixture, which consists of vinegar, sugar, and a variety of spices. 

The beets are then left to pickle for several days, resulting in a sweet and tangy flavor. This recipe is a great side dish to serve with any meal and can be enjoyed both warm and cold.

Why You’ll Love this old-fashioned pickled beets?

The old-fashioned pickled beets recipe is a great way to enjoy beets uniquely and deliciously. Not only is it easy to make, but it is also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the recipe to your tastes by adding different spices or adjusting the amount of sugar or vinegar. 

This recipe can also be a great way to use up any beets you have in the fridge. Additionally, pickled beets are a great source of vitamins and minerals, making them a great addition to any healthy diet.

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The Ingredients

• 10-pound red beets: Red beets are the primary ingredient in the old-fashioned pickled beets recipe. They provide a sweet and earthy flavor, a vibrant color, and a satisfying texture to the pickles. Beets are well-suited for pickling, and their natural sweetness contrasts with the tanginess of the pickling solution.
• 8 cups water: Water is the base of the pickling solution. It serves to dilute and distribute the other ingredients, ensuring an even and well-balanced flavor throughout the pickled beets.
• 8 tablespoons pickling spice: Pickling spice is a blend of various whole spices, such as mustard seeds, coriander, cloves, and bay leaves. It imparts complex and aromatic flavors to the pickling liquid, enhancing the overall taste of the beets. The spices contribute depth and character, making the pickled beets more flavorful.
• 8 cups white vinegar: White vinegar is a key acidic component in the pickling liquid. It not only adds a tangy flavor to the beets but also helps preserve them by creating an environment unsuitable for harmful bacteria. The acidity of the vinegar also contributes to the characteristic “bite” of pickled vegetables.
• 8 cups granulated sugar: Sugar is added to balance the acidity of the vinegar and enhance the overall flavor of the pickled beets. It provides sweetness, rounding out the taste profile and making the beets more palatable. The sugar also contributes to the preservation process by working with the vinegar to create a flavorful brine.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Beets:

Begin by washing and scrubbing the red beets thoroughly to eliminate any dirt. Trim the tops, leaving about an inch of the stems, and leave the tails intact.

Step 2: Boil the Beets:

Place the washed beets in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the beets to cook for 30-45 minutes or until they are tender and can be pierced easily with a fork.

Step 3: Peel the Beets:

Once the beets are tender, drain them and let them cool. After they have cooled enough to handle, peel the skins off the beets. The skins should easily slide off.

Step 4: Slice or Dice the Beets:

Slice or dice the peeled beets into your preferred size. Options include rounds, wedges, or cubes, depending on your preference.

Step 5: Prepare the Pickling Solution:

In a large pot, combine water, pickling spice, white vinegar, and granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.

Step 6: Simmer the Pickling Solution:

Reduce the heat and allow the pickling solution to simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 7: Add Beets to Pickling Solution:

Introduce the sliced or diced beets into the simmering pickling solution. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, ensuring the beets are heated through.

Step 8: Sterilize Jars:

While the beets are cooking, sterilize your canning jars and lids. This can be done by boiling them in hot water or using your preferred sterilization method.

Step 9: Pack Jars with Beets:

Carefully pack the sterilized jars with the hot pickled beets, leaving about half an inch of headspace.

Step 10: Pour Pickling Solution:

Pour the hot pickling solution over the beets in each jar, ensuring they are fully covered.

Step 11: Seal Jars:

Wipe the jar rims to remove any residue. Place the sterilized lids on the jars and tighten the rings until just snug.

Step 12: Process the Jars (Optional):

For extended storage, process the jars in a hot water bath for approximately 10-15 minutes.

Step 13: Cool and Store:

Allow the jars to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, check the lids for a proper seal. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place.

Step 14: Enjoy:

Your old-fashioned pickled beets are now ready to enjoy! They make a delicious addition to salads, and sandwiches, or serve as a tangy snack on their own.

Notes

-Be sure to use fresh beets for the best results.
-Be sure to use a clean jar or container to store the pickled beets.
-Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to your tastes.
-Be sure to seal the jar or container tightly to ensure the beets are properly pickled.
-Pickled beets can be enjoyed warm or cold.
-Pickled beets can be stored for up to 3 weeks.

Storage Tips

Once the beets are pickled, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. It is important to make sure the jar or container is tightly sealed to ensure the beets stay properly pickled.

Nutrition Information

Pickled beets are a great source of vitamins and minerals. A single serving (3 ounces) of pickled beets contains:

-Calories: 90
-Total Fat: 0.2g
-Saturated Fat: 0.1g
-Cholesterol: 0mg
-Sodium: 441mg
-Potassium: 225mg
-Carbohydrates: 10g
-Fiber: 2g
-Sugar: 7g
-Protein: 2g

Serving Suggestions

-Serve pickled beets alongside a hot dish like roast beef or pork chops.
-Top a salad with pickled beets for a sweet and tangy flavor.
-Add pickled beets to a burger or sandwich for a unique flavor.
-Serve pickled beets as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
-Use pickled beets as a topping for tacos or nachos.
-Mix pickled beets into an egg or potato salad.

What other substitute can I use for old-fashioned pickled beets?

-Pickled onions: Pickled onions can be used in place of beets in the pickling mixture. Pickled onions have a slightly different flavor, but are still delicious.
-Lemon juice: Lemon juice can be used in place of vinegar in the pickling mixture. The lemon juice will provide a tart, citrusy flavor.
-Honey: Honey can be used instead of sugar in the pickling mixture. The honey will add a subtle sweetness to the beets.
-Citrus zest: Citrus zest can be used in place of spices in the pickling mixture. The zest will add a bright, citrusy flavor to the beets.
-Mustard: Mustard can be used in place of salt in the pickling mixture. The mustard will add a slight tang to the beets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How long will pickled beets last?

A1. Pickled beets will last for up to 3 weeks when stored in the refrigerator.

Q2. Can pickled beets be frozen?

A2. Pickled beets can be frozen for up to 6 months. Be sure to store the beets in an airtight container or freezer bag before freezing.

Q3. What type of vinegar should I use for pickled beets?

A3. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar are both great options for pickled beets.

Q4. Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

A4. Yes, other vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, and onions can all be used in this recipe.

Q5. How do I know if the beets are done pickling?

A5. The beets are done pickling when they have a sweet and tangy flavor. Taste a few of the beets to determine if they are done pickling.

Q6. Is it necessary to peel the beets before pickling?

A6. Yes, it is necessary to peel the beets before pickling. The peel of the beets will not soften during pickling, so it must be removed before pickling.

Q7. Are pickled beets healthy?

A7. Yes, pickled beets are a great source of vitamins and minerals, and can be a great addition to a healthy diet.

Conclusion

Old-fashioned pickled beets are a classic, timeless recipe that is sure to please everyone. With just a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can have a delicious side dish ready in no time. 

The beets are packed into a jar or container and left to pickle for several days, resulting in a sweet and tangy flavor. Additionally, pickled beets are a great source of vitamins and minerals, making them a great addition to any healthy diet. So, why not give this classic recipe a try today?

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