Imagine a preserve so vibrant, so uniquely delicious, that it will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with just one spoonful! These Greek Style Sweet Beet Preserves are not just a condiment, but a culinary adventure that combines the earthy sweetness of beets with a hint of warm cinnamon and bright lemon. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a curious food lover, this recipe will elevate your preserving skills and impress everyone who tastes it.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 jars
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked beets (diced)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the cooked beets. If you haven't cooked them yet, wash and trim the beets, then boil them in water for about 30-40 minutes until they are tender. Allow them to cool, then peel and dice them into small pieces.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the diced cooked beets, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Stir the mixture gently to ensure that the sugar is evenly distributed.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. This will help dissolve the sugar and infuse the flavors.
- Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Continue to stir occasionally, allowing the beets to absorb the flavors and the liquid to thicken. This should take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- As the preserves cook, prepare your jars for canning. Ensure they are clean and sterilized by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or running them through a dishwasher cycle.
- After the beet mixture has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly before transferring it into the sterilized jars.
- Fill each jar with the beet preserves, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue.
- Seal each jar with a lid and band, tightening them just until they are fingertip-tight. Do not over-tighten.
- If you plan to store the preserves for an extended period, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure they are sealed properly.
- Once processed, remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely on a clean towel or cooling rack. You should hear a popping sound as the lids seal.
- After the jars have cooled, check the seals by pressing down in the center of each lid. If it doesn't pop back, the jar is sealed properly. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place.
- Your Greek Style Sweet Beet Preserves are now ready to enjoy! Serve them on toast, as a topping for desserts, or alongside savory dishes.
Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality beets for the most vibrant flavor and color.
- Make sure to dice the beets uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Stir the mixture frequently to prevent burning and promote even caramelization.
- Use a candy thermometer if you want precise consistency control during cooking.
- Sterilize your jars thoroughly to ensure long-lasting preservation.
- Allow the preserves to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
- For an extra flavor twist, consider adding a small piece of vanilla bean or a splash of orange zest.
- Store your preserves in a cool, dark place to maintain their quality for several months.
- Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent contamination.
- Experiment with serving the preserves with different foods like Greek yogurt, cheese plates, or as a glaze for meats.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 217kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
