Cwikla - Pickled Beets

This is the classic cwikla you’d find on any Polish holiday spread. Cooked beets layered in a glass bowl with fresh grated horseradish, whole cloves, and caraway seeds, then covered with a boiled vinegar brine.

Give it a day in the fridge and the beets soak up all that sharp, tangy, slightly sweet brine. The horseradish adds heat, the caraway brings an earthy warmth, and the cloves give it that old-world spice.

Serve it alongside kielbasa, cold cuts, or smoked meats. It’s a condiment, a side dish, and a conversation piece all in one.

Pro Tips

• Use a glass or ceramic bowl, not metal. The vinegar will react with metal and give the beets an off taste.
• Fresh grated horseradish makes a real difference. If substituting prepared horseradish, use about 4 teaspoons.
• These get more flavorful the longer they sit. Two to three days is even better than one.