Pickled eggs are a tangy and vibrant delight that can be enjoyed as a snack or added to salads for an extra burst of flavor. One popular variation of pickled eggs is made with beet juice, which not only gives the eggs a beautiful deep red color but also adds a hint of sweetness to balance the tanginess. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making pickled eggs with beet juice, step by step.
Gathering the Ingredients
Eggs
The first step in making pickled eggs with beet juice is to gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need a dozen eggs, preferably large ones, as they tend to hold up better during the pickling process. Fresh eggs are highly recommended, as older eggs may have a weaker structure and can crack more easily.
Beets
Next, you will need around two cups of beet juice. You can either buy canned beets and use the juice from the can or make your own beet juice by boiling peeled beets until they are soft and then straining the juice. The choice is yours, but using fresh beets can give a more intense flavor and color to your pickled eggs.
Apple Cider Vinegar
One of the key ingredients in pickling is vinegar, and when it comes to pickled eggs with beet juice, apple cider vinegar works best. Apple cider vinegar adds a unique tanginess to the eggs and complements the beet flavor nicely. You will need one cup of apple cider vinegar for this recipe.
Spices
To give your pickled eggs flavor and depth, consider adding a combination of spices such as mustard seeds, black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and bay leaves. These spices will infuse the eggs with a wonderful aroma and taste.
Sugar and Salt
To balance the tanginess of the vinegar and beet juice, you will need to add some sugar and salt. Around two tablespoons of sugar should be enough to provide a subtle sweetness, while one tablespoon of salt will enhance the overall flavor.
Preparing the Pickling Liquid
Boiling the Beet Juice
Once you have gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to prepare the pickling liquid. In a large pot, pour the two cups of beet juice and add the one cup of apple cider vinegar. Stir in the sugar, salt, and your desired spices. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cooling the Pickling Liquid
After the mixture has boiled for a few minutes, turn off the heat and let it cool down completely. You want the pickling liquid to be at room temperature before adding the eggs, as pouring hot liquid over them can cause them to crack.
Preparing the Eggs
While the pickling liquid cools, it’s time to prepare the eggs. Carefully place the eggs in a large pot and cover them with water. Put the pot on the stove and bring the water to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat, cover the pot with a lid, and let the eggs sit for about 8-10 minutes.
Peeling the Eggs
After the eggs have finished cooking, drain the hot water and transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water. This abrupt temperature change will help the eggs cool down quickly, preventing them from overcooking and making them easier to peel. Let the eggs sit in the ice water for about 5 minutes before peeling.
Pickling the Eggs
Adding the Eggs to the Pickling Liquid
Now that your eggs are peeled and your pickling liquid has cooled, it’s time to bring them together. Carefully place the peeled eggs into a clean, sterilized jar. Slowly pour the pickling liquid over the eggs, ensuring that they are fully submerged. If needed, use a spoon or a spatula to press the eggs down, making sure there are no air bubbles trapped.
Marinating the Pickled Eggs
Once the eggs are fully covered with the pickling liquid, seal the jar tightly and place it in the refrigerator. The longer you let the eggs marinate, the more flavorful they will become. Ideally, allow them to marinate for at least 48 hours to fully absorb the flavors of the pickling liquid. However, if you’re in a rush, you can try them after just a few hours to get a taste of the tangy goodness.
Serving and Enjoying
When you’re ready to enjoy your pickled eggs with beet juice, simply take them out of the refrigerator and serve them chilled. They make a fantastic snack on their own, or you can chop them up and add them to green salads, grain bowls, or sandwiches for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Conclusion
Pickled eggs with beet juice are a tangy and vibrant delight that can be easily made at home. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can create a jar full of beautifully colored eggs bursting with flavor. Whether enjoyed as a snack or added to other dishes, pickled eggs with beet juice will surely liven up your taste buds and bring a touch of vibrancy to your meals. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the tangy deliciousness for yourself?