Pickled beets are a delightful addition to salads, sandwiches, and even as a side dish. But, have you ever wondered what to do with the leftover beet juice after you’ve enjoyed the beets? Don’t let it go to waste! In this article, we will explore the creative and delicious uses for pickled beet juice. From refreshing drinks to stunning desserts, you’ll find plenty of options to give your meals a tasty twist!
1. Vibrant Beet Hummus
Ingredients:
– 1 can of chickpeas
– ¼ cup of pickled beet juice
– 2 tablespoons of tahini
– 1 garlic clove
– 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
To make this vibrant beet hummus, start by draining and rinsing a can of chickpeas. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, pickled beet juice, tahini, garlic clove, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Serve with pita bread, carrot sticks, or your favorite crackers. This colorful and flavorful hummus will surely impress your guests at any gathering.
2. Tangy Pickled Deviled Eggs
Ingredients:
– 6 hard-boiled eggs
– ¼ cup of mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon of mustard
– 2 tablespoons of pickled beet juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Paprika for garnish
Instructions:
Transform your traditional deviled eggs with a tangy twist. Begin by slicing the hard-boiled eggs in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the yolks and place them in a separate bowl. Mash the yolks with a fork and add mayonnaise, mustard, pickled beet juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Spoon or pipe the filling into the egg white halves. Sprinkle with paprika for an extra touch of color. These pickled deviled eggs will be the star of any brunch or picnic.
3. Refreshing Beet Lemonade
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 4 cups of water
– ½ cup of pickled beet juice
– ½ cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
– Ice cubes
– Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
On a hot summer day, quench your thirst with this vibrant and refreshing beet lemonade. In a pitcher, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, pickled beet juice, and sugar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust the sweetness according to your preference. Add ice cubes and lemon slices to serve. This stunning pink beverage will not only cool you down but also impress your friends and family with its unique twist.
4. Beautiful Beet Stained Pasta
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces of pasta
– ½ cup of pickled beet juice
– Salt for boiling water
– Olive oil for tossing
Instructions:
Turn your ordinary pasta into a visually stunning dish with a beet-stained twist. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Meanwhile, pour the pickled beet juice into a separate pot and bring it to a simmer. Drain the cooked pasta and immediately transfer it to the pot of beet juice. Toss gently to ensure all the pasta is coated. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the color. Drizzle with olive oil and toss again before serving. The vibrant pink hue will make this pasta a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
5. Sweet Beet Jelly
Ingredients:
– 3 cups of pickled beet juice
– 1 package (1.75 ounces) of powdered fruit pectin
– 4½ cups of granulated sugar
– ½ teaspoon of butter (to reduce foaming)
Instructions:
Add a touch of sweetness and creativity to your breakfast by making homemade beet jelly. In a large saucepan, combine pickled beet juice, powdered fruit pectin, and butter. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Add the sugar gradually, stirring until it dissolves completely. Continue boiling for 1 minute, still stirring constantly. Remove from heat and skim off any foam. Pour the hot jelly mixture into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace. Seal the jars and process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Allow the jars to cool and set before enjoying this unique and delicious beet jelly on toast or as a glaze for meats.
6. Tangy Beet Salad Dressing
Ingredients:
– ¼ cup of pickled beet juice
– 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– ¼ cup of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Add a tangy and colorful flair to your salads with this beet dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together pickled beet juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. Drizzle over your favorite salad greens, and toss to coat. This vibrant dressing will elevate your salads to a whole new level and make them visually appealing as well.
In conclusion, don’t let the leftover beet juice go to waste! Get creative and experiment with these exciting ideas to use pickled beet juice in your cooking and beverages. From vibrant beet hummus to tangy beet salad dressing, these recipes will surely impress your family and friends. So, the next time you enjoy pickled beets, remember to save the beet juice for a tasty twist in your meals!