Viennese Beet Preserves
Discover the irresistible charm of Viennese Beet Preserves, a unique recipe that transforms earthy beets into a luscious, spiced delight. Simmered in a vibrant syrup infused with fresh orange juice, zesty citrus, and warm notes of cinnamon and cloves, these preserves capture the essence of Old-World European canning traditions. Perfectly balanced with a hint of lemon brightness and optional pectin for a thicker consistency, this versatile condiment is ideal for spreading on crusty bread, pairing with creamy cheeses, or adding a gourmet touch to roasted meats. With just a few simple ingredients and a manageable prep-and-cook time, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to level up their pantry staples with a flavorful twist. Make a batch of Viennese Beet Preserves and enjoy its sweet-and-tangy elegance year-round!
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Ingredients
- 6 pieces medium-sized beets
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1.5 cups water
- 0.5 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 piece cinnamon stick
- 4 pieces whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon powdered pectin (optional, for thicker preserves)
Directions
Step 1
Wash the beets thoroughly to remove dirt. Trim off the tops and roots but leave the skin intact. Place the beets in a large pot of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 35-45 minutes, or until the beets are fork-tender.
Step 2
Drain the beets and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the skins using your hands or a paring knife. Cut the peeled beets into small cubes or thin slices, as desired.
Step 3
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine the sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely.
Step 4
Add the cubed or sliced beets to the pot, stirring to coat them in the syrup. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let the mixture simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens, and the beets absorb the flavors.
Step 5
If you prefer a thicker preserve, stir in the powdered pectin during the last 5 minutes of cooking, ensuring it is fully dissolved.
Step 6
Remove the pot from heat and discard the cinnamon stick and cloves. Ladle the hot preserves into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean and seal tightly with sterilized lids.
Step 7
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure a proper seal. Remove the jars and let them cool completely at room temperature.
Step 8
Store the Viennese Beet Preserves in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a month. Enjoy with bread, cheeses, or as a flavorful addition to your meals!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1756.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1970.4 |
| Total Fat 2.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 648.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 501.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 26.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 466.5g | |
| Protein 14.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 205.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 7.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2959.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories