Craving the vibrant crunch and tangy flavor of pickled beets? With this detailed guide on how to refrigerator pickle beets, you can effortlessly preserve this culinary delight in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 pounds fresh beets, scrubbed and trimmed
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon dill seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds
- Optional: garlic cloves, bay leaves, or other spices
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beets:
- Cut the beets into 1/4-inch thick slices or wedges.
- Place the beets in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let them rest for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2. Make the Pickling Liquid:
- In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, dill seeds, and mustard seeds.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve.
3. Pack the Jars:
- Rinse the beets under cold water to remove the salt.
- Pack the beets tightly into clean glass jars.
- Add any optional spices, such as garlic cloves or bay leaves, if desired.
4. Pour the Pickling Liquid:
- Pour the hot pickling liquid over the beets, filling the jars to within 1/2 inch of the top.
- Secure the lids tightly.
5. Refrigerate:
- Allow the jars to cool to room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator.
- The beets will be ready to eat in 24 hours, but they will improve in flavor over time.
Storing Your Pickled Beets
- Store the pickled beets in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
- Once opened, keep the beets submerged in the pickling liquid to prevent spoilage.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy pickled beets as a side dish to grilled meats or fish.
- Add them to salads, sandwiches, or wraps for a tangy crunch.
- Use them as a topping for burgers or tacos.
Troubleshooting
- Beets are too soft: Cook the beets for a shorter amount of time before pickling.
- Beets are too hard: Cook the beets for a longer amount of time before pickling.
- Pickling liquid is cloudy: This is normal and does not affect the safety or flavor of the beets.
Variations
- Spicy Beets: Add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the pickling liquid.
- Sweet Beets: Increase the sugar in the pickling liquid to 1 cup.
- Herbed Beets: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme or rosemary to the jars before pouring in the pickling liquid.
The Magic of Refrigerator Pickling
Refrigerator pickling is a simple and convenient method for preserving vegetables. Unlike traditional canning, it does not require special equipment or high heat, making it accessible to all home cooks. The resulting pickles are crisp, flavorful, and ready to enjoy in just a day.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I use other types of vinegar for pickling beets?
A: Yes, you can use white vinegar or rice vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar. However, the flavor of the beets will be slightly different.
Q: How long can I store pickled beets in the refrigerator?
A: Pickled beets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Q: Can I reuse the pickling liquid?
A: Yes, you can reuse the pickling liquid for a second batch of beets. However, it is important to bring it back to a boil before using it again.
