Preserving Beetroot Without Vinegar Recipes

RECIPE PRESERVED BEETROOT

Steps:

• Cut off beetroot stem leaving about 2 inches. Place them in a pot, cover with water and simmer till slightly soft but still slightly firm. Test by inserting a skewer. Remove beetroot from pot and place into a bowl and save the water. Allow beetroot to cool and remove the top and base and skin them which is quite easy with the hands it just rubs away. Discard skins etc. You can slice the beetroot or leave whole depending on size.Into another pot place about 6 cups of the saved beetroot water, vinegar and brown sugar. Simmer till sugar has dissolved. Place the jars and lids face down on a baking paper covered tray in the oven at 150 degrees for about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and turn right way up. Fill the jars with the beetroot slices being careful not to burn yourself. Pour beetroot water mix over beetroot to the top and place lids on tight.Set jars aside in a safe place to cool. The pop bit in jar lids will pull down as they get cool. I like to keep them in the cupboard for a few weeks minimum to infuse the vinegar flavour before eating.

PICKLED BEETROOT

Steps:

• Wash and trim the beetroot, rub each with 1 tbsp vegetable oil, then wrap individually in foil. Roast on a tray at 200C/180C fan/gas 6 for 1 hr or until tender. Cool, peel, then cut into wedges.
• To make the pickling vinegar, put the whole spices in a medium saucepan. Toast over a low heat until they begin to smell aromatic. Add the dried chilli flakes last, as these can easily catch. Add the bay, pour in all of the vinegar and sugar, let it dissolve, and bring to a simmer.
• Pack the beets into sterilised jars (see tip below), add 1 tsp coarse crystal sea salt to each, then pour over the hot vinegar and seal. Ready to eat in 2 weeks, or longer, if you like.

PICKLED BEETS

Steps:

• Place beets in a large stockpot with water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, inspect 10 pint-sized jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until beets are ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
• Drain beets, reserving 2 cups of beet water. When beets are cool enough to handle, peel and discard skins.
• Fill each sterilized jar with beets. Evenly divide cloves among the jars.
• Combine sugar, 2 cups of beet water, vinegar, and pickling salt in a large saucepan; bring to a rapid boil.
• Pour the hot brine over the beets in the jars, and seal the lids.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.

BEETS WITH BALSAMIC VINEGAR

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• 2. Trim the beets, leaving on the skin, an inch of the stem, and the wispy "tail" on the bottom of each, then scrub and drain. Place the beets in a small casserole dish just big enough to hold them. Pour the water and canola oil over the beets then cover tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and bake until tender and easily pierced with a sharp paring knife, about 1 1/2 hours.
• 3. Remove the casserole from the oven and uncover the beets, keeping your face averted from the escaping steam. Allow the beets to cool completely in the casserole.
• 4. Meanwhile, combine the vinegar, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the salt, and pepper in a medium-size bowl and whisk to blend. Taste and add more olive oil, if desired.
• 5. Peel the cooled beets with the back of a paring knife and cut into 3/8-inch slices. Add to the dressing in the bowl and toss gently but thoroughly to coat. Serve immediately or marinate, in the refrigerator, for up to 24 hours.