Flavorful Pickled Beet and Onion Medley
This vibrant pickled beet and onion medley is a delightful way to preserve the earthy sweetness of beets, making it a perfect condiment for winter meals. Whether you grow your own beets or use canned ones, this recipe is straightforward and requires minimal preparation. The combination of tangy apple cider vinegar and sweet sugar creates a perfect balance, while the Vidalia onion adds a subtle depth of flavor. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a side dish, these pickled beets will brighten your plate and your palate. Best enjoyed after marinating for at least 24 hours, these pickled treasures can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, allowing you to savor their flavor for weeks to come.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sliced Beets
2 (15 ounce) cans (Drain and reserve juice)
Beet Juice
1 1/2 cups (Reserved from cooked or canned beets, or adjust with water as needed)
Vidalia Onion
1 large (Thinly sliced)
Sugar
1 cup (Granulated)
Apple Cider Vinegar
1 cup (Unfiltered preferred for added flavor)
Instructions
1
Start by draining the sliced beets, reserving the juice. If needed, add enough water to reach a total of 1 1/2 cups of juice. Set this aside.
2
Slice the Vidalia onion into thin rings or half-moons and combine it with the drained beets in a glass or non-reactive mixing bowl.
3
In a saucepan, combine the reserved beet juice and apple cider vinegar. Heat the mixture over medium heat until steaming, but not boiling.
4
Once heated, add the granulated sugar to the hot mixture and stir until fully dissolved. Bring the mixture just to a boil, then remove from heat.
5
Pour the hot beet juice mixture over the beets and onions in the bowl, ensuring everything is well combined. Give it a gentle stir.
6
Let the beets and onions cool to room temperature, then cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator.
7
For the best flavor, allow the beets to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flavorful Pickled Beet and Onion Medley?
It is a vibrant condiment that preserves the earthy sweetness of beets using a tangy and sweet marinade, perfect for sandwiches or salads.
How many cans of beets are required?
The recipe calls for two 15-ounce cans of sliced beets.
Can I use fresh beets instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh beets; simply ensure you reserve or prepare 1 1/2 cups of juice to use in the marinade.
What type of onion is best for this recipe?
A large Vidalia onion is recommended for its subtle depth of flavor and sweetness.
How much beet juice is needed for the pickling liquid?
You need a total of 1 1/2 cups of beet juice.
What should I do if the canned beets don't yield enough juice?
If you have less than 1 1/2 cups of juice, you can add enough water to reach the required amount.
What kind of vinegar is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one cup of apple cider vinegar, with unfiltered being the preferred choice for better flavor.
How much sugar is included in the marinade?
The recipe requires one cup of granulated sugar.
Is this pickled beet recipe vegan?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as vegan and contains only plant-based ingredients.
How should the Vidalia onion be prepared?
The onion should be thinly sliced into rings or half-moons.
What are the primary flavor notes of this dish?
It features a perfect balance of earthy sweetness from the beets and tanginess from the apple cider vinegar.
Do I need to boil the marinade?
You should heat the juice and vinegar until steaming to dissolve the sugar, then bring it just to a boil before removing from heat.
How do I combine the ingredients?
Pour the hot beet juice and vinegar mixture over the beets and onions in a bowl and stir gently.
What type of bowl is recommended for mixing?
You should use a glass or non-reactive mixing bowl to avoid any metallic taste or reaction with the vinegar.
How long do the beets need to marinate?
For the best flavor, allow the beets to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.
How should the finished product be stored?
The pickled beets and onions should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will these pickled beets last?
They can be kept in the refrigerator and enjoyed for several weeks.
Can I serve these with sandwiches?
Yes, they are a perfect condiment for sandwiches, salads, or as a stand-alone side dish.
Is this a good recipe for winter?
Yes, it is described as a delightful way to preserve beets as a condiment for winter meals.
Does the recipe require a lot of preparation?
No, the recipe is straightforward and requires minimal preparation time.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to drain the sliced beets while reserving the juice.
Should the mixture be cooled before refrigerating?
Yes, allow the beets and onions to cool to room temperature before covering and placing them in the fridge.
Is this a canning recipe for room temperature storage?
No, this is a refrigerator pickling recipe and must be kept chilled.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 5 total ingredients: sliced beets, beet juice, Vidalia onion, sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
Are the beets whole or sliced?
The recipe specifically uses canned sliced beets.
What is the purpose of the apple cider vinegar?
It provides the necessary acidity and tanginess to balance the sweetness of the beets and sugar.
Is there any fat or cholesterol in this recipe?
According to the nutrition data provided, the fat and cholesterol counts are null.
Can I use red onion instead of Vidalia?
While Vidalia is recommended for its sweetness, red onion can be used, though it will have a sharper bite.
What should I do after the 24-hour marination period?
Once marinated, they are ready to serve as a side dish or salad topping.
How does this recipe brighten a plate?
The vibrant purple color of the beets and the translucent onions add a visual pop to any meal.