Ingredients and Weight:
- Beets: 500 grams (approximately 2 large beets)
- White vinegar: 300 ml
- Water: 250 ml
- Sugar: 5 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Mustard seeds: 1 tablespoon
- Red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
- Fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley): for garnish
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes (plus overnight for pickling)
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and wash the beets. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Place the beets on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes or until tender. Remove and let cool.
- In a small saucepan, bring vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and mustard seeds to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Place the roasted beets in a clean jar or container. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the beets. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Seal the jar and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate overnight to allow the beets to pick up the flavor.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 130 calories per serving (based on small beet size)
- Carbohydrates: Sugar, fiber from beets
- Fat: Very low fat content
- Protein: From beets and vinegar mixture
- Note: This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the beets.
Dish Characteristics:
- The dish has a sour and sweet taste due to the vinegar and sugar combination.
- The roasted beets give a slightly sweet and earthy flavor.
- The dish is hearty and goes well as a side dish or as part of an appetizer spread.
User Comments:
- "The pickled beets were a great addition to our summer picnic! The flavors were spot on." - John Doe, New York
- "I loved how easy this recipe was to make, and the dish was a hit with my family." - Jane Smith, California
- "The combination of sour and sweet flavors was outstanding! This will be a regular at our dinner table." - Michael Johnson, Texas
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to use fresh beets that are firm to the touch for best results.
- Wear gloves or handle the beets carefully when peeling to avoid staining your hands with their natural pigment.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar according to your preference for sourness or sweetness.