I used to hate onions, even when they were cooked down to the point that they were caramelized and sweet. However, I also used to hate getting sick all the time. Whenever someone within five miles of me was sick, I was sure to catch it. Didn’t matter what it was: cold, flu, sinus infection, random bug, etc. (you get the picture.)
My dad was and still is just the opposite. He loves onions so much that he even makes a sandwich out of just bread, butter, and sliced onions. He, also, never got sick. EVER!
Needless to say, it all clicked for me when I was doing research years later and learned that onions, being a member of the Allium family, are considered health powerhouses. Especially, when it comes to boosting one’s immunity.
Now, I’ve gotten used to the taste of onion and, even, enjoy their flavor. My daughter, on the other hand, will fight tooth and nail to get out of eating onions. I have to hide them in her food and that is when they’re chopped into fine particles and cooked. This pickled beet and onion recipe has been the lifesaver that has her eating onions. And, since everyone and their dog is getting sick, I’m sharing it with y’all. (Ha! I did it! I said y’all!)
Pickled Beets and Onions
Time: 15 minutes plus cooling
Ingredients:
1 glass or plastic container for storing
2 15-ounce cans beets – whole or slice
1-2 onions chopped, depending on size and what will fit in container
1 cup sugar
1 cup vinegar, white/cider/or wine will work
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 bay leaves
1/8 teaspoon cloves
Directions:
Open cans of beets and strain, keeping the beet juice. Put strained beets and onions in the glass or plastic container. In medium sized pot, add the sugar, vinegar, salt, bay leaves, and cloves. Add about 1 cup of the left over beet juice. Stir and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and let simmer for five minutes. Pour over the beets and onions, cover, and allow to cool slightly. Put in the refrigerator.
You can start eating the beets and onions once they are cooled. For the best flavor, wait one day.
Enjoy!
And, because my daughter helped, here is her favorite Dino.
Of course