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:
- Prep the Beets:
- Scrub the beets thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Trim the tops of the beets to about 1 inch.
- 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.
- 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.
- Slice and Set Aside:
- Slice the peeled beets into thin rounds or wedges.
- Place the beet slices in a bowl and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- Refrigerate:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the beets to pickle and absorb the flavors.
- 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!