Homemade Red Chrain

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Gather the ingredients.

2. Step 2

   Place the beets in a medium saucepan with enough water to cover by 1 inch.

3. Step 3

   Place over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the beets are tender and easily pierced with a knife, about 30 to 40 minutes depending on size. Remove from the heat, drain, and set aside. 

4. Step 4

   While the beets are boiling, prepare the horseradish: Peel the root, cut into chunks if large, and feed into a food processor fitted with a fine grating disc. (Alternatively, you can grate it on the small holes of a box grater.) Transfer to a bowl, and add the vinegar, sugar (if using), and salt. Mix well. 

5. Step 5

   Slip the skins off of the beets. Using the same shredding disc (or box grater), finely grate the beets.

6. Step 6

   Add to the chrain, mix well, and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

7. Step 7

   Store in the refrigerator.