A classic sweet-tangy pickle that’s perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a side dish. Easy to make and stores beautifully!

📝 Ingredients (Makes 2–3 jars)

• 1 kg (2–2.5 lbs) fresh beets

• 1 cup white vinegar

• 1 cup water

• ½–¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp salt

• 4–5 whole cloves (optional)

• ½ tsp black peppercorns (optional)

• 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Beets

• Wash beets (don’t peel yet).

• Boil in water 30–40 minutes until fork tender.

• Cool slightly, then rub off skins.

• Slice or cube as desired.

2️⃣ Make Pickling Brine

In a saucepan combine:

• Vinegar

• Water

• Sugar

• Salt

• Optional spices

Bring to a boil and stir until sugar dissolves.

3️⃣ Fill the Jars

• Place sliced beets into clean glass jars.

• Pour hot brine over beets until fully covered.

• Remove air bubbles.

• Seal tightly.

4️⃣ Cool & Store

• Let jars cool to room temperature.

• Refrigerate at least 24 hours before eating (better after 2–3 days).

🧊 Store in fridge up to 3–4 weeks.

💡 Tips

✔ For less sugar, reduce to ¼ cup (more tangy).
✔ Add sliced onions for extra flavor.
✔ For spicy version, add red chili flakes.
✔ Use apple cider vinegar for deeper taste.

🥗 Serving Ideas

• With grilled chicken or beef

• In salads

• On burgers or sandwiches

• With boiled eggs

Flavor Balance (Very Important)

Perfect pickled beets need the right balance:

• More sugar → sweeter (classic style)

• More vinegar → tangier

• Less water → stronger flavor

Basic Brine Ratio (Foolproof)

• 1 cup vinegar

• 1 cup water

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 tsp salt

You can double or triple this ratio easily.

🌡 Storage Options

🧊 Refrigerator Method (Easy & Safe)

• No special equipment needed

• Store in fridge

• Lasts 3–4 weeks

🫙 Water Bath Canning (Long Shelf Life)

If you want 6–12 months shelf stable:

1. Fill sterilized jars with beets + hot brine

2. Leave ½ inch headspace

3. Process in boiling water bath for 30 minutes

4. Cool 24 hours

5. Check seals

Store in cool dark place.

🍯 Flavor Variations

🌶 Spicy

• Add ½ tsp chili flakes

• Add sliced jalapeños

🧅 Sweet Onion

• Add thin sliced onions

🍎 Apple Cider Version

• Replace white vinegar with apple cider vinegar

🧄 Garlic Dill

• Add 2 crushed garlic cloves + fresh dill

🥗 Health Benefits

✔ Rich in antioxidants
✔ Supports blood pressure
✔ Good source of fiber
✔ Low calorie
✔ Naturally gluten-free

🔢 Nutrition (Approx per ½ cup)

• Calories: 70–90

• Carbs: 15–20g

• Fat: 0g

• Fiber: 2–3g

(Depends on sugar amount.)

⚠️ Important Safety Tips

❗ Always use at least 5% acidity vinegar
❗ Do not reduce vinegar in canning recipe
❗ If jar smells bad or lid pops → discard
❗ Use clean sterilized jars

❓ Common Questions

Q: Why are my beets soft?
Overcooked before pickling.

Q: Why cloudy liquid?
Usually natural starch — safe if smell is fine.

Q: Can I use canned beets?
Yes — skip boiling step.

📊 Quick Summary