Refrigerator Pickled Beets Recipe
Try this Refrigerator Pickled Beets Recipe recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Refrigerator Pickled Beets Recipe recipe, or contribute your own.
- 3 pounds fresh small whole beets (use similar size beets)* sliced in half
- * small beets can be pickled whole. larger beets c i used several different varieties of beets that were varying sizes that i sliced.
- many beets are sold in bunches with the tops still while others are sold with the tops removed. look for beets that are firm, round, with a slender tap root (the large main root), a rich, color, and smooth over most of the surface. if beets are bunched, you can judge their freshness fairly accurately by th
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1361g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place rack in middle of oven.
- Use tender, freshly picked beets. Wash and scrub the whole beets to clean off any dirt. Leave the beet whole unless you have some extra large ones (if extra large, cut in half).
- Trim off the stems (leafy tops) and ends of the beets. Please don't throw away those fresh beet greens when cooking fresh beets. Cook the beet greens and enjoy a delicious and nutritious dish just like your grandparents grew up with.
- On a large baking sheet, cover with aluminum foil. Place prepared beets, in a single layer, on top. Toss lightly with some olive oil to coat the beets.
- Place another large sheet of aluminum foil on top of the beets and crunch up the sides of the aluminum foil together to seal.
- Place in oven and roast approximately 1 hour or until tender and easily pierced with the tip of a paring knife.
- Remove from oven and take off the top foil. Set aside to cool enough to handle.
- When cool enough to handle, peel the skin off. They should peel easily by hand, but you can use a paring knife if you want. However, it is wise to use a paper towel or wear gloves to keep the beet juice from staining your hands.
- Use tender, freshly picked beets. Wash, rinse and drain until all traces of garden soil are removed. Use a small vegetable brush if needed.
- Cut off leaves and stems, leaving about 1 inch of the root end. Reserve beet leaves for a recipe using them.
- Place beets in large heavy pan and cover with water over medium-high heat. Bring just to a boil; reduce heat to medium, cover and cook until fork tender, approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
- Remove from heat and drain. Let beets cool until you can safely handle them. Once cool enough to hand, peel the skin off. They should peel easily by hand, but you can use a paring knife if you want. However, it is wise to use a paper towel or wear gloves to keep the beet juice from staining your hands.
- In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and garlic cloves; bring to a boil, stirring until sugar melts.
- Reduce heat and let the pickling brine simmer approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let brine cool before adding the cooked beets.
- Place sliced or whole cooked beet into a large jar that will fit in your refrigerator. Pour cooled Pickling Brine over the beets and gently stir.
- Place, covered, in the refrigerator. Let them sit in the refrigerator, maybe stirring once in a while, at least a week before eating them. Give the beets a chance to “pickle” and develop flavor before eating. These Refrigerator Pickled Beets will last a long time in the refrigerator, probably 2 to 3 months.
My Love Affair with Refrigerator Pickled Beets
As a busy professional, time is my most precious commodity. Finding quick, healthy, and delicious meals is a constant quest. That's why I fell head-over-heels for refrigerator pickled beets. They're unbelievably simple to make, requiring minimal prep and cooking time, and the end result is a vibrant, tangy treat that adds a burst of flavor to any meal. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe is a lifesaver for those hectic weekdays. The best part? The longer they sit, the more intense the flavor becomes, transforming from a simple side dish to a culinary masterpiece.
The process itself is incredibly straightforward. I usually roast my beets, finding the oven method imparts a subtle sweetness that complements the pickling process beautifully. But if I'm truly short on time, boiling works perfectly too. Once the beets are cooked and cooled, the magic happens. A quick simmer of vinegar, water, sugar, and garlic creates the pickling brine. The simplicity of the ingredients speaks volumes; it's the combination and the time allowed for the flavors to meld that truly makes the difference. The whole process from start to finish can easily be done within an hour, leaving me plenty of time to focus on other aspects of my life.
Beyond the convenience, these pickled beets are a nutritional powerhouse. Beets are rich in antioxidants and nitrates, beneficial for heart health and athletic performance. The vibrant color is a testament to their nutritional density. I love adding them to salads, topping grilled chicken or fish, or even incorporating them into a vibrant beet and goat cheese tart. Their versatility makes them a staple in my kitchen, easily transforming a simple meal into something extraordinary.
The beauty of refrigerator pickled beets extends beyond their taste and convenience. They’re also an excellent way to preserve a seasonal bounty. During the summer months when the farmers markets overflow with fresh produce, I often make a large batch to enjoy throughout the fall and winter. This allows me to savor the flavors of summer long after the season has passed. It's a simple yet rewarding act of preserving the bounty of nature, giving me a taste of sunshine even during the coldest days.
Finally, the visual appeal of these beets cannot be ignored. Their deep crimson color adds a touch of elegance to any plate. They're the perfect accompaniment to a light lunch, a festive dinner party, or a simple weeknight meal. Their color and vibrant flavor always seem to elevate the dishes that they are paired with. The recipe is so easy that you can experiment with it, changing up the spices to create your unique signature pickled beet recipe.
So, whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, give this recipe a try. You'll quickly discover that refrigerator pickled beets are more than just a side dish – they're a testament to the magic of simple ingredients, time-honored techniques, and the incredible satisfaction of creating something delicious and healthy with minimal effort. The vibrant color and tangy flavor are a welcome addition to any meal, and the ease of preparation makes them a perfect choice for the busy woman who wants both delicious and healthy food without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and nutrition.
