Beetroot (or beets) is a deep purple root vegetable used in many ways in various cuisines around the world. They’re popular not just for their taste, texture and colour but also because they’re packed full of essential nutrients, including potassium, iron, manganese, vitamin C and vitamin B9.
Rich in fibre, beetroot and beetroot juice have been associated with numerous health benefits, including improved blood flow, reduced blood pressure and even a noticeable increase in physical performance. This makes them a healthy addition to any family table, and a popular one for younger members of the family because they aren’t another green veggie, even though bright red blotches on tablecloths and clothes are more or less inevitable.
When beetroot is in plentiful supply and cost-effective, why not bottle some up and store in your cupboard so you have some on hand to add to a plate when you’re looking for an extra something? Sometimes it’s the little things that you add to your meals that can make an ordinary meal seem extraordinary.
This is a pantry staple and a recipe you’ll soon make your favourite. If you want to spice it up a little, you could add a whole red chilli that’s been pricked lightly with a toothpick to distribute its heat.
Beetroot Salad
Ingredients
- 5 medium red beetroot washed
- 1 medium onion finely sliced
- 150 ml red wine vinegar
- 30 ml brown sugar
- 6 whole black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- 5 ml salt
- 120 ml water
Instructions
- Cut the leaves off the top of the beetroot but not too close otherwise their red juice will leech into the water
- The leaves can be cooked just as you would cook spinach, so don’t throw them away, they are delicious
- Put them into the pot and cover with cold water, bring to the boil and cook partially covered for about 45 minutes or until tender
- Drain the water and remove the skin, tops and roots
- Once cooled, thinly slice the beetroot into a bowl
- In a medium pot, combine the onions, red wine vinegar, peppercorns, bay leaf, brown sugar, and salt
- Cover and bring to the boil
- Pour this mixture over the beetroot and allow it to cool slightly
- This can now be packed into sterilised canning jars and stored in a dark place and once opened store the jar in the refrigerator
- If you can’t wait it is also fantastic eaten right away
Notes
Nothing beats the strength and durability of an original, German-made Weck jar. Elegantly designed with a wide mouth for easy cleaning, these jars are perfect for smoothies, canning, preserving and fermenting, or for any other dry or wet goods in your kitchen and fridge.