Greetings to all the food enthusiasts out there! This is Ineskohl from Ineskohl Kitchen, and today I’ll walk you through a wonderfully appetizing and vibrant recipe, perfect for jazzing up your kitchen routine. We’re going to prepare homemade pickled beets, an absolute delight that will add a burst of color and flavor to your meals.
Why should you try this recipe? Not only are pickled beets a mouthwatering addition to your culinary repertoire but they are also packed with essential nutrients that support overall health. The sweet and tangy taste of this dish will truly make your taste buds dance.
Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 4.5 pounds of fresh red beets
- A couple of slices of ginger
- 1/2 pound of Spanish onions
- Fresh rosemary
- Cider vinegar
- Fresh lemon juice
- Cloves, allspice berries, and cinnamon for the spice sachet
- A pinch of brown sugar
Remember, the secret to a well-executed recipe is high-quality, fresh ingredients.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Start with sterilizing your jars. This crucial step ensures your pickled beets are stored in a clean and germ-free environment, preserving their freshness and flavor. Most jars come with sterilizing instructions, so make sure to follow them.
- Get your beets ready. We’re aiming for tender, al-dente beets. Roast them in the oven until they reach this texture. Remember, the roasting process brings out the sweetness in the beets, enhancing their natural flavor.
- While your beets are still warm, peel off the skin. You’ll notice the delightful aroma of the freshly roasted beets, a fragrant promise of the culinary delight to come.
- Slice the ginger into thin medallions, then place two in each jar. Ginger adds a spicy kick, complementing the sweetness of the beets.
- Add a sprig of fresh rosemary to each jar. This aromatic herb imbues the beets with a subtle, fragrant flavor. Pro tip: try to line it up on the edge of the jar for a pleasing visual effect.
- Chop the Spanish onion and distribute it evenly among the jars. These onions add a crunchy texture and sharp flavor that balances the sweetness of the beets.
- Fill your jars with the prepared beets. Remember to press them down gently, filling up the space without crushing the beets. Your jar should be full up to the fill line.
- Now it’s time to prepare the brine. Combine cider vinegar with water in a 2:1 ratio. Cider vinegar has a sweet, fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with the beets. To this, add fresh lemon juice for an extra zing. (source: Ineskohl.info)
- Create a spice sachet using cloves, allspice berries, and a piece of cinnamon. These spices impart a warm, holiday-like flavor to the beets.
- Add the spice sachet to the brine and bring it to a boil, then let it simmer for about ten minutes. The heat allows the aromatic compounds in the spices to infuse the brine, resulting in a flavor-rich liquid.
- Remove the sachet from the brine, then pour the brine over the beets in each jar, reaching right up to the fill line.
- Once filled, close the jars and tighten the lids. Make sure they are properly sealed.
- Now, place the jars in a boiling water bath and process for seven minutes. This step is crucial as it kills off any remaining bacteria, ensuring the pickled beets are safe to consume.
- Finally, let the jars cool. After this, your delicious pickled beets are ready to be stored and enjoyed at your convenience!
These homemade pickled beets make a fantastic addition to sandwiches, salads, or as a tasty snack on crackers with some goat cheese and a blueberry on top. You’ll surely be the talk of the town at your next dinner party with these colorful and tangy delights.
Get creative, have fun, and don’t forget to share your pickled beet creations with us!
Remember to visit my blog, Ineskohl Kitchen at https://ineskohl.info for more scrumptious, easy-to-follow recipes.
Keep cooking and enjoy the process. Happy pickling!
