Homemade Pickled Beets

Ingredients

For the Beets

• 6 medium fresh beets

• Water for boiling

For the Pickling Brine

• 1 cup white vinegar

• 1 cup water

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black peppercorns

• 2–3 whole cloves (optional)

• 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)

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 Instructions

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Instructions
1. Cook the Beets

    Trim the stems and roots (leave a tiny bit so they don’t bleed too much).

    Rinse the beets well.

    Place them in a pot and cover with water.

    Simmer for 35–50 minutes, until fork-tender.

    Drain and let cool.

    Rub off the skins — they should slip right off.

    Slice the beets into rounds or wedges.

2. Make the Pickling Brine

    In a saucepan, combine:

        Vinegar

        Water

        Sugar

        Salt

        Peppercorns

        Cloves (optional)

        Cinnamon stick (optional)

    Bring to a simmer and stir until sugar dissolves.

    Remove from heat.

3. Pack the Jars

    Fill clean jars with the sliced beets.

    Pour the hot brine over the beets until covered.

    Tap the jar gently to remove air bubbles.

    Seal with lids.

4. Chill

Let the jars cool, then refrigerate for at least 24 hours before eating for best flavor.
⭐ Storage

    Keeps in the refrigerator for 4–6 weeks.

    This is a refrigerator pickled recipe (not shelf-stable for pantry storage).

⭐ Flavor Variations

    Sweet: Add more sugar (up to ¾ cup).

    Savory: Skip cloves/cinnamon and add bay leaf + garlic.

    Spicy: Add sliced jalapeño or red pepper flakes.