Beets - Spiced
Spiced pickled beets offer a vibrant burst of flavor with subtle sweetness, tang from vinegar, and aromatic spices like cloves. Perfect as a side dish, salad topping, or snack, this recipe combines earthy beets with a flavorful marinade that improves with time, appealing to those who love bold, tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat water, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and 1 teaspoon salt to boiling.
- Add beets to the boiling water.
- Cover and cook for 30 minutes or until beets are tender.
- Drain the beets and let them cool slightly.
- Cut the beets into slices.
- Mix olive oil, 1/4 cup vinegar, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, cloves, and sliced onions to make the marinade.
- Pour the marinade over the sliced beets and marinate overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, choose fresh, firm beets. If you prefer a sweeter taste, consider increasing the sugar slightly or adding a splash of orange juice to the marinade. You can substitute red wine vinegar for the regular vinegar for a different tang. To save time, use pre-cooked beets available in grocery stores. This recipe is a great way to incorporate beets into Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these spiced beets atop a bed of arugula or alongside grilled meats for a vibrant addition to any meal. They pair beautifully with Francis B'S Salad, creating a fresh, colorful plate. You can also incorporate them into wraps or grain bowls for added nutrition and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover marinated beets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want to reheat them, do so gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil to maintain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beets - Spiced contains roughly 310 calories, with 3g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1333mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beets instead of fresh?
Yes, canned beets can be used for convenience, but they may be softer and lack the earthiness of fresh beets. If using canned, skip the boiling step and marinate them directly after slicing. Adjust the seasoning in the marinade to balance their inherent sweetness.
How long should I marinate the beets?
For the best flavor, marinate the beets overnight. However, if you're short on time, even a few hours can impart a nice taste. The longer they sit in the marinade, the more the flavors will penetrate the beets.
What can I do with leftover marinade?
Leftover marinade can be used as a dressing for salads or drizzled over grilled vegetables. It adds a nice tangy flavor. Just be sure to discard any marinade that has come into contact with raw beets to avoid contamination.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).