Best Unsweetened Spiced Vinegar Recipes

UNSWEETENED SPICED VINEGAR

Steps:

• Tie the spices in a spice bag or piece of cheesecloth.
• Place vinegar and spice bag in non-reactive (stainless steel) pot.
• Bring to a boil and cook about 10 minutes.
• Cool.
• Store vinegar and spice bag in air-tight plastic or glass container.
• NOTE:*** Although the flavor intensifies with aging, the vinegar is ready to use immediately.
• After about 1 month, remove the bag from the vinegar.
• ***SWEETENED SPICED VINEGAR: To sweeten this recipe, add 3 1/2 cups granulated sugar.
• Good for pickled beets or pickled peaches.

FILIPINO-STYLE SPICED VINEGAR

Steps:

• Put the garlic, dried fruit, chiles, ginger, and peppercorns in a clean glass jar or bottle and cover with the vinegar and fish sauce. Loosely cover or cap the jar and let sit at room temperature in a dark place for 48 hours.
• Transfer the jar to the refrigerator. The pinakurat will keep indefinitely, and the flavors will continue to develop over time.

VINEGAR PICKLED CARROTS

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, mix distilled white vinegar, white sugar, salt, pepper and water. Bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
• Place the carrots in sterile containers. Cover with the vinegar solution. Seal the containers, refrigerate and marinate carrots 12 hours or overnight before serving.

HOMEMADE PICKLED BEETS

Steps:

• Place beets into a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook until beets are tender, 20 to 25 minutes, depending on size.
• Meanwhile, inspect six 16-ounce jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Bring a second pot of water to a boil. Immerse jars in simmering water until beets are ready. Wash new, unused lids in warm soapy water.
• Drain cooked beets, reserving 1 cup beet water. Let cool until able to handle, 10 to 15 minutes. Peel and slice.
• Pack beets into the hot, sterilized jars, filling to within 1/2 inch of the top.
• Strain reserved beet water through a fine-mesh strainer into a saucepan. Add vinegar, sugar, pickling salt, and cloves. Bring to a rapid boil over high heat. Pour hot brine over beets in jars, leaving 1/4-inch of head space. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars to remove any air bubbles. Wipe rims with a moist paper towel to remove any residue. Top with lids and screw rings on tightly.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 30 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and let rest, several inches apart, for 12 to 24 hours. Press the center of each lid with a finger to ensure the lid does not move up or down. Remove the rings for storage and store in a cool, dark area.

SPICED BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk the balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard together in a small bowl. Whisk in the shallot, garlic, cumin, and crushed red pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking constantly until fully incorporated, and continue to whisk for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Let the dressing sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavor to develop.

CANNED SPICED PICKLED BEETS

Steps:

• In a large pot, mix the white vinegar, sugar, water, cinnamon, salt, and cloves together; bring the mixture to a boil, and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Stir in the beets, and simmer until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Sterilize the jars, lids, and rings in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, pack the sliced beets into the hot, sterilized jars, and pour in the beet liquid to fill the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a sterilized knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 30 minutes. Add more time if you are at high altitude.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.