Beets come in a variety of colors and are full of health benefits. However, pickled beets are plants that have been preserved in vinegar and sugar, making them a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. In this article, we will explore five delicious pickled beet recipes that are easy to make and will satisfy your taste buds.
Pickled Beet Salad
The pickled beet salad is a quick and easy recipe that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of pickled beets with crunchy greens. Here is what you need:
- 1 cup of pickled beets
- 4 cups of mixed greens
- 1/3 cup of crumbled goat cheese
- 1/3 cup of toasted walnuts
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Drain the beets and set them aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Add the mixed greens to the large bowl, toss with the dressing.
4. Add the crumbled goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and pickled beets to the salad.
5. Toss everything together and serve immediately.
Pickled Beet Hummus
This recipe is a twist on the traditional hummus recipe, adding pickled beets means the hummus turns into a beautiful shade of pink. This is what you will need:
- 1 can of chickpeas
- 1/4 cup of tahini
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of pickled beets
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
Instructions
1. Place the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt in a food processor or high-speed blender, and pulse until smooth.
2. Add the pickled beets and olive oil to the mixture and continue blending until the hummus reaches your desired consistency.
3. Transfer the hummus to a bowl and serve with freshly cut vegetables or pita bread.
Pickled Beet Risotto
This dish is an impressive way to use pickled beets in a meal when having guests over. The pickled beets give the risotto a beautiful color and make the dish both sweet and tangy. Here is what you need:
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups of Arborio rice
- 1/2 cup of white wine
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup of pickled beets, chopped
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet, add chopped onions until they are soft and lightly browned.
2. Add the Arborio rice and stir to coat evenly.
3. Add the white wine and stir constantly until the wine is absorbed.
4. Add the vegetable broth, a cup at a time, stirring the broth until it is absorbed before adding more.
5. When the rice is cooked to perfection, add the pickled beets and stir to combine.
6. Remove from the heat and add parmesan cheese.
7. Serve immediately with a side of roasted vegetables.
Pickled Beet Tacos
This recipe is perfect for a healthy vegetarian meal option. Adding pickled beets to this recipe gives the tacos a sweet and tangy flavor. Here is what you need:
- 1 can of black beans
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of pickled beets
- 1/4 cup of cilantro leaves
- 4 corn tortillas
- Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
1. Rinse and drain the black beans, and place them in a pot with cumin, chili powder, and salt.
2. Fry the beans over medium heat until heated through.
3. Warm the corn tortillas in the oven or over a grill.
4. Add the black beans, pickled beets, and cilantro leaves to each taco.
5. Serve with a garnish of lime wedges.
Pickled Beet Dip
This dip is a fantastic option for those who love pickled beets. It can be served as a healthy snack or appetizer at any gathering. This is what you need:
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1/4 cup of pickled beets
- 1 clove of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
- 1 tablespoon of fresh dill leaves, chopped
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, pickled beets, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Stir in the fresh dill.
3. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables.
Conclusion
These five recipes show how versatile pickled beets can be. From the tangy pickled beet salad to the sweet and tangy pickled beet dip, there are numerous ways to incorporate pickled beets into your meals. They are a healthy and delicious ingredient that can be easily included in many recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are pickled beets good for you?
- Yes, pickled beets are good for you. They are a low-calorie food that is full of nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
- How long do pickled beets last in the fridge?
- Pickled beets will last for up to six months in the fridge if stored correctly in an airtight container.
- Can I make pickled beets at home?
- Yes, you can make pickled beets at home. All you need is vinegar, sugar, water, and beets. There are many recipes available online that you can use.
- Can pickled beets be frozen?
- No, pickled beets should not be frozen, or the texture will become mushy.
References
1. “The Many Health Benefits of Beets,” WebMD, 2021, https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/the-many-health-benefits-of-beets.
2. “Pickled Beets Recipe,” Simply Recipes, 2019, https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/pickled_beets/.
3. “Pickled Beet Salad Recipe,” The Pioneer Woman, 2021, https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a82268/pickled-beet-salad/.