Cinnamon-Spiced Pickled Beets: A Sweet and Tangy Delight
Pickled beets are a classic, and for good reason. They’re vibrant, tangy, and offer a satisfying crunch. But have you ever thought of adding a touch of warm, aromatic cinnamon to the mix? These cinnamon-spiced pickled beets take a familiar recipe to a whole new level, transforming ordinary beets into an extraordinary culinary experience. The sweetness of the beets, the tang of the vinegar, and the subtle warmth of the cinnamon create a complex flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re looking for a unique side dish, a vibrant addition to your salads, or a flavorful snack, these pickled beets are sure to impress.
This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients and a little bit of patience. The most time-consuming part is cooking the beets, but even that can be streamlined with a few helpful tips. Let’s dive into the details of creating these delightful cinnamon-spiced pickled beets.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Before we jump into the recipe itself, let’s explore why you should give these cinnamon-spiced pickled beets a try:
* **Unique Flavor Profile:** The combination of sweet beets, tangy vinegar, and warm cinnamon is simply irresistible. It’s a delightful twist on traditional pickled beets that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Versatile:** These pickled beets are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a side dish with roasted meats, add them to salads for a burst of flavor and color, or enjoy them as a healthy and satisfying snack.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite their sophisticated flavor, these pickled beets are surprisingly easy to make. The recipe requires minimal effort and uses readily available ingredients.
* **Long Shelf Life:** Pickled beets have a long shelf life, making them a great make-ahead option. You can prepare a batch and enjoy them for weeks to come.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Beets are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Pickling them preserves their nutrients and makes them even more beneficial for your health.
* **Beautiful Presentation:** The vibrant color of the pickled beets makes them a visually stunning addition to any table or dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make these cinnamon-spiced pickled beets:
* **Beets:** The star of the show! Choose firm, smooth beets of similar size for even cooking. You can use red, golden, or Chioggia beets, or a combination of all three for a colorful mix.
* **Vinegar:** Distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar work best for pickling. White vinegar provides a clean, neutral flavor, while apple cider vinegar adds a slightly fruity and tangy note.
* **Water:** Used to dilute the vinegar and create the pickling brine.
* **Sugar:** Granulated sugar is used to balance the acidity of the vinegar and add a touch of sweetness. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
* **Cinnamon Sticks:** The key ingredient that gives these pickled beets their unique flavor. Use high-quality cinnamon sticks for the best results.
* **Salt:** Enhances the flavors of the beets and helps to preserve them.
* **Whole Cloves (Optional):** Add a warm, spicy note to the pickling brine.
* **Allspice Berries (Optional):** Similar to cloves, allspice berries add a subtle warmth and complexity to the flavor.
* **Black Peppercorns (Optional):** A few black peppercorns can add a subtle peppery kick to the pickled beets.
**Detailed Ingredient List:**
* 2 pounds beets, scrubbed and trimmed
* 1 cup distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
* 1 cup water
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
* 2 cinnamon sticks
* 1 tablespoon salt
* 4 whole cloves (optional)
* 4 allspice berries (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns (optional)
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the equipment you’ll need to make these cinnamon-spiced pickled beets:
* **Large Pot:** For cooking the beets.
* **Small Saucepan:** For making the pickling brine.
* **Sharp Knife:** For trimming and slicing the beets.
* **Cutting Board:** For preparing the beets.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurately measuring the ingredients.
* **Sterilized Jars with Lids:** For storing the pickled beets. You’ll need about 2-3 pint-sized jars.
* **Jar Lifter (Optional):** A jar lifter makes it easier and safer to handle hot jars.
* **Funnel (Optional):** A funnel can help to prevent spills when filling the jars.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part: making the cinnamon-spiced pickled beets! Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect results:
**Step 1: Cook the Beets**
* Place the beets in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
* Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer the beets until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. This will take about 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of the beets.
* While the beets are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice water.
* Once the beets are cooked, drain them and immediately transfer them to the ice bath. This will stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel.
**Step 2: Peel and Slice the Beets**
* Once the beets are cool enough to handle, use your fingers or a small paring knife to peel off the skins. The skins should slip off easily.
* Slice the peeled beets into 1/4-inch thick rounds or wedges. You can also dice them if you prefer.
**Step 3: Prepare the Pickling Brine**
* In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, salt, cloves (if using), allspice berries (if using), and peppercorns (if using).
* Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer the brine for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
**Step 4: Pack the Jars**
* Sterilize your jars and lids according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You can do this by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or running them through the dishwasher on the sanitize cycle.
* Pack the sliced beets into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
* Pour the hot pickling brine over the beets, making sure to cover them completely and leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
* Remove any air bubbles by gently tapping the jars on a counter or using a clean utensil.
**Step 5: Seal the Jars**
* Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills or drips.
* Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are finger-tight (not too tight).
**Step 6: Process the Jars (Optional, but Recommended for Long-Term Storage)**
* If you plan to store the pickled beets for more than a few weeks, it’s recommended to process the jars in a boiling water bath to ensure proper sealing and prevent spoilage.
* Place a rack in the bottom of a large pot and fill the pot with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch.
* Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
* Carefully lower the jars into the boiling water bath using a jar lifter.
* Make sure the jars are not touching each other or the sides of the pot.
* Process the jars for 10 minutes. Adjust the processing time based on your altitude.
* Turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the hot water for 5 minutes before removing them.
* Carefully remove the jars from the pot using a jar lifter and place them on a towel-lined surface to cool completely.
**Step 7: Cool and Store**
* As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound as the lids seal. This is a good sign that the jars have been properly processed.
* Let the jars cool completely at room temperature for 12-24 hours.
* Check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn’t flex, it’s properly sealed. If the lid flexes, the jar is not properly sealed and should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks.
* Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks before opening to allow the flavors to develop. Refrigerate after opening.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to help you make the best cinnamon-spiced pickled beets:
* **Choose fresh, high-quality beets.** Look for firm, smooth beets with no blemishes or bruises.
* **Don’t overcook the beets.** Overcooked beets will be mushy and less flavorful.
* **Use a good quality vinegar.** Distilled white vinegar and apple cider vinegar are both good choices.
* **Adjust the sugar to your liking.** If you prefer a less sweet pickle, reduce the amount of sugar in the brine.
* **Sterilize your jars properly.** This is essential for preventing spoilage.
* **Process the jars in a boiling water bath for long-term storage.** This will ensure that the jars are properly sealed and that the pickled beets will last for months.
* **Allow the pickled beets to sit for at least 2 weeks before opening.** This will allow the flavors to develop and meld together.
Variations and Adaptations
Here are a few ways you can customize this recipe to your liking:
* **Add other spices.** Experiment with other spices like ginger, cardamom, or star anise.
* **Add a touch of heat.** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the brine for a spicy kick.
* **Use different types of vinegar.** Try using balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar for a different flavor profile.
* **Add some herbs.** Fresh thyme or rosemary can add a herbaceous note to the pickled beets.
* **Make it sugar-free.** Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia to make these pickled beets sugar-free.
* **Add onions.** Thinly sliced red onions can be added to the jars along with the beets for extra flavor and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
These cinnamon-spiced pickled beets are delicious on their own as a snack, but they also make a great addition to a variety of dishes:
* **Serve as a side dish with roasted meats, poultry, or fish.** They pair particularly well with pork, beef, and duck.
* **Add them to salads for a burst of flavor and color.** They are a great addition to green salads, grain salads, and even potato salads.
* **Use them as a topping for sandwiches and burgers.** They add a tangy and sweet crunch to any sandwich or burger.
* **Serve them as part of a cheese and charcuterie board.** They provide a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory cheeses and meats.
* **Use them as a garnish for soups and stews.** They add a pop of color and flavor to any soup or stew.
* **Chop them up and add them to dips and spreads.** They add a unique flavor and texture to dips and spreads.
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 50-70
* Fat: 0g
* Saturated Fat: 0g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 8-12g
* Protein: 1-2g
**Please Note:** Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
* **Can I use canned beets?**
While fresh beets are preferred for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned beets in a pinch. Drain and rinse the canned beets thoroughly before adding them to the pickling brine. Keep in mind that the texture of canned beets will be softer than fresh beets.
* **How long will these pickled beets last?**
Properly processed and sealed jars of pickled beets can last for up to a year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate the pickled beets and consume them within a few weeks.
* **Do I have to process the jars in a boiling water bath?**
Processing the jars in a boiling water bath is recommended for long-term storage. If you plan to consume the pickled beets within a few weeks, you can skip this step. However, be sure to refrigerate the jars after filling them.
* **Can I use a different type of sugar?**
Yes, you can use a different type of sugar, such as brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Keep in mind that these sweeteners will affect the flavor and color of the pickled beets.
* **Can I make these pickled beets without cinnamon?**
Yes, you can make these pickled beets without cinnamon. Simply omit the cinnamon sticks from the pickling brine. You can also experiment with other spices, such as ginger or cloves.
* **What if my jars don’t seal properly?**
If a jar doesn’t seal properly (the lid flexes when pressed down), refrigerate the jar and consume the pickled beets within a few weeks. You can also try re-processing the jar with a new lid.
Conclusion
These cinnamon-spiced pickled beets are a delightful and versatile addition to any kitchen. With their unique flavor profile, easy preparation, and long shelf life, they are sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a sweet and tangy culinary adventure. Happy pickling!
This recipe offers a unique and delicious twist on traditional pickled beets. The combination of sweet beets, tangy vinegar, and warm cinnamon is simply irresistible. Enjoy them as a side dish, in salads, or as a healthy snack. They are a perfect way to add flavor and color to your meals. Happy cooking and enjoy!
Remember that while this text aims to be comprehensive and detailed, always refer to reputable sources for food safety guidelines and canning instructions. Properly canned and stored goods are essential for safe consumption.