Discover the bold, zesty flavors of Pickled Beets Cwikla, a traditional Eastern European condiment thatβs equal parts tangy and spicy, perfect for elevating your meals. This quick and easy recipe combines the earthy sweetness of grated pickled beets with the fiery kick of fresh horseradish, balanced by a touch of sugar and vinegar for vibrant contrast. With just 15 minutes of prep time and no cooking required, Cwikla is the ultimate make-ahead condiment, best served chilled alongside savory meats like ham or sausage, or as a tangy addition to your favorite salads. Packed with bold flavor and unique textures, it's a versatile and irresistible addition to any table.
Drain the pickled beets if they are packaged in liquid, reserving a small amount of the pickling brine (about 1 tablespoon).
Finely grate the pickled beets using a box grater or food processor. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can lightly pulse them in a food processor.
Peel the fresh horseradish root and finely grate it. You can adjust the amount of horseradish to your taste if you prefer more or less spiciness.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the grated beets, grated horseradish, granulated sugar, salt, white vinegar, and ground black pepper. Add the reserved pickling brine for extra tanginess, if desired.
Stir the ingredients together until fully combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning (add more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or horseradish for spice).
Transfer the cwikla into a clean, airtight container or jar. Let it sit for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, refrigerate overnight.
Serve chilled as a condiment alongside meats such as ham or sausage, or as a flavorful side dish. Enjoy!
Calories |
496 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.6 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2194 mg | 95% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 123.7 g | 45% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.6 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 87.3 g | ||
| Protein | 5.5 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 79 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 811 mg | 17% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.