Ole Fashioned Beet Pickles
These vibrant red beet pickles offer a sweet and tangy flavor, perfect as a condiment or snack. The natural earthiness of beets combined with vinegar and sugar creates a delightful balance. Ideal for those who enjoy homemade preserves with bold color and flavor, suitable for any pickle lover.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash fresh beets and leave an inch of the top stems to help retain juice during cooking.
- Sort the beets according to size to prevent overcooking smaller ones.
- Save a few cups of the red water the beets were cooked in.
- Cook the beets until tender when tested with a fork.
- Drain off hot water and cover beets with cold water until cool enough to handle.
- Peel the beets and cut off the stems.
- Leave small beets whole; large beets should be quartered.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding spices like whole cloves or allspice berries to the pickling liquid. If you have golden beets, they can be used as a colorful alternative that adds a different sweetness. For a quicker cooking method, use a pressure cooker to save time and energy while ensuring tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pickled beets as a tangy side dish alongside grilled meats or in salads. They pair beautifully with Chilled Spaghetti Salad or can be added to a charcuterie board for a pop of color and flavor. Try them on sandwiches for an extra zing.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickled beets in sterilized jars and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. To enjoy them warm, simply heat the desired portion in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ole Fashioned Beet Pickles contains roughly 137 calories, with 2g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% 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?
While fresh beets provide the best flavor and texture, canned beets can be used in a pinch. Just rinse them well to remove excess salt and adjust the cooking time accordingly since they are already cooked.
How long do the pickles need to sit before eating?
For optimal flavor, allow the pickles to sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before consuming. The longer they marinate, the more intense the flavor will become, making them even tastier after a week.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the pickling solution?
Yes, you can modify the sugar amount to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet pickle, reduce the sugar by half or substitute with a sugar alternative like agave syrup. Just be sure to balance the acidity with the vinegar.
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).