Description
Pickled Beets are a vibrant, tangy, slightly sweet side dish bursting with flavor. They offer a perfect balance of acidity and warm spices, making them a refreshing and nutritious addition to salads, sandwiches, or holiday spreads.
Introduction
This easy pickled beet recipe is naturally low-carb, simple to prepare, and packed with earthy depth from the beets combined with the aromatic spices of cloves and allspice. With minimal ingredients and a quick prep time, you can enjoy homemade pickled beets without needing any canning equipment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll appreciate how straightforward and customizable this recipe is. It’s a healthier alternative to store-bought pickled beets, uses a sugar substitute for fewer carbs, and delivers bold flavor with just a short marinating time. It’s perfect for meal prep, salads, and snack plates.
Ingredients
- 8 medium fresh beets
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar substitute (such as Swerve or monk fruit)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons whole allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Beets
Scrub the beets thoroughly under running water and trim the tops to about 1 inch. Place them in a pot of water, bring to a boil, and cook for 25–30 minutes or until tender. Once cooked, allow them to cool, then peel and slice.
Step 2: Make the Pickling Brine
In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar substitute, whole cloves, allspice, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes to release the spices’ full aroma.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Place the sliced beets into a heat-proof bowl or jar. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the beets, ensuring they are fully covered. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop. Drain before serving if desired.
Tips for the Best Pickled Beets
Use gloves while peeling beets to prevent staining. For deeper flavor, allow the beets to marinate overnight. If your beets are large, cut them into smaller, even pieces for better flavor absorption.
Variations
Swap white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a milder, fruitier taste. Add a cinnamon stick for a warm, spiced version. For a sweeter version, increase the sugar substitute slightly.
Storage Tips
Store the pickled beets in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The flavor improves over time, making them ideal for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled with salads, alongside roasted meats, in grain bowls, or as a colorful side dish on holiday tables. They also pair wonderfully with cheese plates.
FAQs
Can I use canned beets?
Yes, you can use canned beets to save time—just skip the boiling and peeling step.
Can I reuse the pickling liquid?
You can reuse it once more for a fresh batch of beets, but the flavor will be slightly milder.
Can I make these fully sugar-free?
Yes, this recipe already uses sugar substitutes suitable for low-carb diets.
Do I need to sterilize jars?
No, since these are refrigerator pickles, sterilizing is not required.
Conclusion
These Pickled Beets are simple, flavorful, and perfect for adding brightness and crunch to your meals. With warm spices and a tangy-sweet low-carb brine, they’re a healthy and delicious side you’ll want to make again and again.