Healthy Pickled Beets Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 8 medium fresh beets
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons whole allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Directions:

  1. Prep the Beets:
  • Scrub the beets thoroughly to remove any dirt.
  • Trim the tops of the beets to about 1 inch.

  1. Cook the Beets:
  • Place the beets in a large pot or Dutch oven.
  • Add enough water to cover the beets completely.

  • Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let the beets simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.

  1. Cool and Peel the Beets:
  • Remove the beets from the water and let them cool until you can handle them comfortably.
  • Peel the beets by gently rubbing the skins off with your hands or a paper towel.

  1. Slice and Set Aside:
  • Slice the peeled beets into thin rounds or wedges.
  • Place the beet slices in a bowl and set aside.

  1. Prepare the Pickling Liquid:
  • In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, whole cloves, whole allspice, and salt.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Let it boil for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.

  1. Pickle the Beets:
  • Pour the hot pickling liquid over the sliced beets in the bowl.
  • Make sure all the beet slices are submerged in the liquid.

  1. Refrigerate:
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the beets to pickle and absorb the flavors.

  1. Serve:
  • Before serving, drain the pickling liquid from the beets.
  • Enjoy the pickled beets as a side dish, salad topping, or a healthy snack.

Benefits of Pickled Beets:

  • Rich in Nutrients: Beets are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and manganese.

  • Antioxidant Power: Beets contain betalains, powerful antioxidants that help fight inflammation and protect against oxidative stress.

  • Digestive Health: The fiber in beets promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.

  • Heart Health: Beets are known to lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health due to their high nitrate content.

  • Brain Function: The nitrates in beets can enhance cognitive function and improve blood flow to the brain.

  • Low-Calorie Snack: Pickled beets are low in calories and make a great addition to a balanced diet without adding excessive calories.

Enjoy your healthy and delicious pickled beets!

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