Fermented beets are a tangy and nutritious addition to your diet, transforming the earthy sweetness of fresh beets into a probiotic-rich condiment that can elevate any meal. This simple fermentation process enhances the flavor and preserves the beets, allowing you to enjoy their vibrant color and health benefits for months. With a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor, fermented beets are perfect for adding to salads, sandwiches, or bowls, and can even be enjoyed on their own as a zesty snack. Embrace the art of fermentation with this easy recipe, and discover a new way to enjoy the goodness of beets!
Ingredients:
• 2 medium beets, peeled and sliced into thin rounds or matchsticks
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns (optional)
• 1-2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed (optional)
• A clean glass jar with a lid
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat the water and dissolve the sea salt to create a brine. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
2. Pack the sliced beets tightly into the clean glass jar, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top. If using, add the peppercorns and smashed garlic cloves among the beets.
3. Pour the cooled brine over the beets, ensuring they are fully submerged. You can use a weight or a clean piece of parchment paper to keep the beets submerged if necessary.
4. Seal the jar loosely with a lid to allow gases to escape during fermentation.
5. Leave the jar at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, for 3 to 7 days, depending on your taste preference. Check daily, and if necessary, push the beets down to keep them submerged.
6. Once fermented to your liking, tighten the lid and store the jar in the refrigerator. Fermented beets can be enjoyed for several weeks.
7. Enjoy your homemade fermented beets as a flavorful and healthy addition to salads, sandwiches, or as a tangy snack!
**use a krauting crock or a pickling jar if you have one
Aprile's Kitchen 