I have been excited to write about this dill pickled beets recipe for a long time. Dill pickled beets are not only a family favorite tied to great memories, but also a fourth generation family recipe originally crafted by my grandma and great grandma over 50 years ago. Great recipes tend to stand the test of time and this one is a keeper!
I look forward to making these every summer. As a matter of fact, the solitary reason I even grow beets in my garden is to dine on these delectable delights! They are sweet, tangy, and have the bright punch of dill! Though they make a great side dish, I generally find myself eating them as a snack! My stepson even enjoyed these when he was two years old!
My grandma's original recipe card
If you have never tried canning produce before I HIGHLY recommend you try it! There is no better way to prolong summer's bounty than to preserve the flavors you love for enjoyment during the long dreary winter months! Plus, in my opinion, there is no better way to stay connected to the ancestral roots of cooking than to master the preservation methods used by our grandparents!
To start with you will need to purchase a home canning kit. This will include important items such as glass jars and lids, a jar grabber, and a canning pot. Without these you cannot can. Ball is likely the most reputable name in canning & preservation which is why I highly recommend their canning kit. You also can't go wrong by purchasing their Complete Book of Home Preserving.
This recipe is technically a canning recipe but it is also perfectly suited for refrigeration as well, like my pickled eggs with beets. As a matter of fact, the USDA doesn't recommend canning home-developed recipes unless they are specifically tested and endorsed by the USDA. My family has been successfully canning this recipe since the 1960's, and though the vinegar and sugar ratios are similar to various approved recipes, it has not been inspected or tested by the USDA. For more on safe canning practices, please see the following link: http://ucfoodsafety.ucdavis.edu/files/26457.pdf
If you love pickled beets, you are going to want to try my beet pickled deviled eggs recipe too!
Dill Pickled Beets for Canning or Refrigeration
Ingredients
- Beets to fill 4 quart jars
- 2 cups Sugar
- 2 ½ cups White Vinegar
- 1 cups water
- 1 tablespoon Pickling Salt
- 1 head of fresh dill per jar
Instructions
- Leaving 1” of stem and all of roots intact, boil the beets for ~1 hour, or until easily pierced with a knife.
- Remove beets and let cool enough to handle.
- Boil sugar, salt, water and vinegar in pot.
- Remove outer skin and quarter beets (or cut into manageable sizes) and place in clean quart jars along with 1 head of dill.
- Pour over brine solution, add lids, and process in water bath for 30 minutes if canning, otherwise place in refrigerator and let sit for a few days before enjoying.
Notes
30 minute processing time comes from similar USDA approved recipe, however it is important to note this is not a USDA tested or approved recipe.
To guarantee safe processing place jars in refrigerator rather than canning for long term storage. Pickling spice can also be added for additional flavor!
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Megan Zimmer
Can the sugar be substituted with honey possibly?
Rachael
Trying grandmas recipe with golden beets just harvested from my garden. Doing an old world German recipe I also found on google with the other half. I think I will prefer yours with the dill. Thanks for sharing! Rachael
Gwen
Made these with a couple additions, I added more doll seed and some mustard seeds to each jar. I wanted a less sweet flavor. Came out great. Will be my main beet recipe from now on.
lindia
this sounds like the ones i made years ago. what is the pickling spice for?????
Fox Valley Foodie
Do you mean pickling salt? It is a salt without iodine or anti-caking agents.
Mark Hetler
Fresh dill is out of season here in southwestern Michigan but we are still harvesting beets. What is the best substitute for the fresh dill head?
Fox Valley Foodie
Your local grocery store should sell fresh dill all year around. You will find it by the other fresh herb packages. Plan B would be to just omit them altogether or add a bit of clove.
Emmy
I grew up in a small town called Fox Valley in Saskatchewan Canada. Love the name and the dill beet recipe. Thank you in advance for the down home delights, can't wait to try them!
Billy
This looks so great, I love pickled beets. They have such a great color and it's made very obvious in the pictures you posted! I can't wait to try this recipe at home. Thank you for sharing!