Pickled Beet Relish

Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min

A vibrant, sweet and tangy pickled beet relish with warm spices, perfect as a condiment or accompaniment for meats, cheeses, or salads, appealing to lovers of bold flavors.

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Ingredients

  • Beets
  • 2 c. sugar
  • 2 c. water
  • 2 c. vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. cloves
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Wash the large beets, leaving 2-inch tops and the root tip.
  2. Put the beets in a large kettle, cover with water, and boil until tender.
  3. Remove from stove, drain hot water, then cover with cold water.
  4. Slip off the skins, remove the root tips and tops, and cut the beets into quarters for grinding.
  5. In another container, mix sugar, water, vinegar, salt, cloves, and cinnamon.
  6. Stir and boil the mixture for one minute.
  7. Add the ground beets to the boiling mixture and bring to a boil.
  8. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  9. Seal in hot sterilized canning jars and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For smoother relish, consider using a food processor to grind the beets after cutting them into quarters. If you prefer a sweeter relish, adjust the sugar to taste, or substitute with honey or agave syrup. For additional flavor, you can add diced onions or bell peppers to the mixture. This relish can also be made with roasted beets for a deeper flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this vibrant pickled beet relish as a condiment alongside grilled meats or as a topping for sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with Mother'S Pepper Relish for a unique flavor combination. Consider adding it to salads or grain bowls for a tangy kick and a pop of color. Enjoy it with cheese platters or as a side with roasted vegetables.

Storage & Reheating

Store the pickled beet relish in sterilized canning jars and keep them in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a month. The relish can be reheated gently on the stove or enjoyed cold as a condiment. It also makes a great addition to sandwiches and salads.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pickled Beet Relish contains roughly 985 calories, with 15g protein, 166g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (169% of the Daily Value), iron (92% of the Daily Value), and calcium (78% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1196mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).

985 kcal 49% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 15g 30% DV
Total Fat 47.9g 61% DV
Carbs 165.6g 60% DV
Fiber 47.4g 100% DV
Sugar 34g 68% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1196.4mg 52% DV
Potassium 1646.2mg 35% DV
Cholesterol 6mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 44.2mg 49% DV
Calcium 1007.7mg 78% DV
Iron 16.6mg 92% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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 ones?

Yes, you can use canned beets for convenience. However, fresh beets will provide a more robust flavor and texture. If using canned, simply drain and chop them before adding to the boiling mixture, and reduce the cooking time slightly.

How long does the relish need to sit before it's ready to eat?

For the best flavor, let the relish sit for at least 24 hours in the refrigerator before consuming. This allows the flavors to meld together. It can be stored for several weeks, and the taste will continue to improve over time.

Can I adjust the spices in the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to modify the spices according to your taste. If you enjoy a spicier flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of cloves or cinnamon.

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).

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