How to Make Healthy Pickled Beets: The Complete Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base Recipe Guide

 

Looking for the perfect way to preserve beets with vibrant flavor and color? This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of creating delicious pickled beets at home, from ingredient selection to storage. Whether you're a pickling novice or experienced preserver, these step-by-step instructions ensure gourmet results every time.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pickled Beets

Before diving into preparation, let's review the key ingredients that make this recipe special:

• 8 medium fresh beets: Select firm, smooth beets with vibrant color
• 1 cup vinegar: Provides preservation and tangy flavor
• 1/2 cup sugar: Balances acidity and enhances natural sweetness
• 1-1/2 teaspoons whole cloves: Adds aromatic warmth
• 1-1/2 teaspoons whole allspice: Contributes complex spice notes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavors and aids preservation

Complete Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Beets (25-30 minutes)

1. Thoroughly scrub beets under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris
2. Trim the beet tops to approximately 1 inch (leaving some stem prevents color bleeding during cooking)
3. Place prepared beets in a large pot
4. Add enough water to completely cover the beets
5. Bring water to a full boil over high heat
6. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low
7. Cover the pot and simmer until beets are tender when pierced with a fork (25-30 minutes depending on beet size)
8. Remove beets from hot water and allow to cool until comfortable to handle

Creating the Pickling Solution (5 minutes)

1. In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, whole cloves, whole allspice, and salt
2. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat
3. Once boiling, cook for exactly 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure sugar dissolves completely
4. Remove from heat when finished

Final Preparation and Pickling

1. Once beets are cool enough to handle, peel them by gently rubbing the skin (it should slip off easily)
2. Slice the peeled beets to your preferred thickness (¼-inch slices work well)
3. Place sliced beets in a medium bowl
4. Pour the hot pickling solution over the prepared beets
5. Allow to cool to room temperature
6. Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (longer for more intense flavor)
7. Drain pickling liquid before serving