Dish of Ukrainian Pickled Beets
(click to enlarge)

Pickled Beets, Ukrainian


Ukraine   -   Marynovanyy Buryak
Makes:
Effort:
Sched:
DoAhead:  		 2 pounds
**
24 hrs
Best		 Pickled Beets from Ukrainian recipes, mild, tasty, and easy to make for appetizer or side dish.

2
------
1-2/3
1
2
2
k6
3
1/4
------
#
--
c
c
t



t
--
Beets, small (1)
-- Pickle
Vinegar
Water
Sugar (2)
Bay Leaf
Peppercorns blk
Cloves
Salt
-----------
Make   -   (1-1/2 hrs - 20 min work + 24 hrs rest)
  1. Scrub BEETS but leave on at least an inch of leaf stems and the root. Boil in water to cover until just done through. Determine this by running a sharp skewer through the center of the largest one - it should not encounter a hard spot.
  2. Cool the Beets one by one under cold running water, sufficiently to handle. Rub off the skins and cut out any grungy bits (they are much harder to peel cold).
  3. Slice Beets a little less than 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Mix all Pickle items and bring to a boil. Simmer for a couple minutes to make sure Sugar and Salt are dissolved, then pour over the Beets.
  5. Let Cool, then refrigerate overnight, or at least a few hours. They'll keep indefinitely refrigerated in a sealed container.
NOTES:

  1. Beets:

      It is best to buy smaller beets, as large ones can be more fibrous. Try for 3 inches or less. Beets with greens are more expensive than storage beets, but have better flavor. In any case, if without greens, the beets should at least show some life, like a bit of greens starting to sprout. Those that have the whole top cut off will be inferior in flavor due to long storage, and will bleed their redness into the cooking water.

  2. Sugar:

      I have cut the pattern recipe's sugar by 1/3. Eastern European, Scandinavian and Asian recipes often call for much more sugar than I can tolerate. I don't want my food to taste like candy. You may restore the full Tablespoon if you wish.
  3. U.S. measure: t=teaspoon, T=Tablespoon, c=cup, qt=quart, oz=ounce, #=pound, cl=clove in=inch, ar=as required tt=to taste
ppv_beetpkl3 260321 inet   -   www.clovegarden.com
©Andrew Grygus - agryg@aaxnet.com - Linking to and non-commercial use of this page is permitted.