How to Make Quick Refrigerator Pickled Beets

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### **Instructions:**

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Beets**
1. **Wash and Trim**: Start by washing the beets thoroughly to remove any dirt. Trim off the beet greens and tails, leaving about 1-2 inches of stems to avoid the beets “bleeding” while cooking.
2. **Boil the Beets**: Place the beets in a medium pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork. You can also roast the beets in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes, but boiling is quicker.
3. **Cool and Peel**: Once cooked, let the beets cool until they are cool enough to handle. Peel the skins off by gently rubbing them with your hands or using a paper towel. The skins should come off easily.

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#### **Step 2: Slice the Beets**
1. **Slice the Beets**: Cut the peeled beets into thin slices or cubes, depending on your preference. If you want to serve them in a jar for storage, slicing them into rounds or wedges works well for presentation.

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#### **Step 3: Prepare the Pickling Brine**
1. **Combine Brine Ingredients**: In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. If you’re using optional ingredients like garlic, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and herbs, add them to the brine now.
2. **Bring to a Boil**: Heat the brine mixture over medium heat and bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt dissolve. Once the brine is hot and the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat.

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#### **Step 4: Pickle the Beets**
1. **Layer the Beets in a Jar**: Place the sliced beets into a clean glass jar or container. You can pack them tightly but leave some space at the top for the brine.
2. **Pour the Brine**: Pour the hot brine over the beets, ensuring they are fully submerged. If the brine doesn’t cover the beets entirely, you can add a little extra water or vinegar in equal parts.
3. **Seal the Jar**: Allow the jar to cool to room temperature before sealing it with a lid. Once cooled, refrigerate the jar.

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#### **Step 5: Let Them Pickle**
1. **Refrigerate and Wait**: Place the jar in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but ideally 24 hours, to allow the beets to fully absorb the pickling flavors. The longer they sit, the more intense the flavor will be.

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### **Serving Suggestions:**
– **As a Side Dish**: Serve your pickled beets alongside roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a hearty salad.
– **In Salads**: Add sliced pickled beets to green salads for a pop of color and tang. They pair well with goat cheese, walnuts, and arugula.
– **On Sandwiches or Wraps**: Use pickled beets as a tangy topping for sandwiches, wraps, or burgers.
– **Snack**: Enjoy them on their own as a quick and healthy snack.

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### **Tips for Perfect Quick Refrigerator Pickled Beets:**

– **Flavor Balance**: Adjust the sweetness or acidity of your brine by adding more sugar or vinegar, depending on your preference.
– **Customization**: Experiment with additional spices such as cinnamon, cloves, or chili flakes for an extra kick.
– **Storage**: These pickled beets will last up to 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator, so they’re great for making in advance and having on hand for various meals.

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### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe:**

– **Quick and Easy**: With minimal prep and no cooking beyond boiling the beets, these pickled beets come together quickly.
– **Healthy**: Beets are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins, making this a nutritious addition to your diet.
– **Flavorful**: The tangy, sweet, and savory brine soaks into the beets, creating a deliciously bold flavor that pairs well with so many dishes.
– **Customizable**: Whether you prefer them sweet, tangy, or with a bit of heat, you can adjust the recipe to suit your taste.

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### **Conclusion:**

Making quick refrigerator pickled beets is a simple way to preserve the vibrant flavor of fresh beets while adding a tangy twist. With a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll have a batch of delicious, crunchy pickled beets that can elevate any meal. Give this easy recipe a try and discover just how delightful pickled beets can be!