Ingredients and Weight:
- 4 pounds fresh beets, trimmed and peeled
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 bay leaf
Preparation Time:
30 minutes (plus cooling time)
Cooking Time:
None (this is a pickled dish)
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (requires some attention to detail)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wrap the beets in foil and roast in the preheated oven for about an hour or until tender. This will help simplify the peeling process.
- When the beets are cool enough to handle, peel them and cut into quarters or thin slices.
- In a large bowl, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, pepper flakes, dry mustard, and bay leaf. Mix well.
- Pack the beets into a clean container, pour the spiced vinegar mixture over them, and ensure all the beets are covered.
- Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving. The longer they stay in the fridged, the more flavorful they will be.
Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 2g | Protein: 3g | Fiber: 4g
Dish Characteristics:
- The pickled beets have a crispy texture with a mild, spicy-sweet flavor.
- The combination of spices and the pickling process gives the beets a unique and flavorful taste that pairs well with various dishes.
User Comments:
- "These pickled beets were a pleasant surprise! The flavor was unique and quite tasty."
- "I love the combination of flavors in these pickled beets. They were a great addition to my meal."
- "The texture of the beets was perfect - not too soft, not too hard. The spicing was spot on!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to use fresh beets for best results. Canned or frozen beets may not have the same flavor or texture.
- Use a clean and dry container for storing the pickled beets to prevent spoilage.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference, adding more sugar or salt if needed.