Harvard Beets are a quintessential New England side dish that transforms simple canned beets into an elegant, restaurant-quality accompaniment. The deep earthy sweetness of the beets is perfectly balanced by a vibrant, tangy glaze made from orange juice, vinegar, and a hint of sugar. The addition of fresh orange peel adds a subtle citrus aroma and visual appeal. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a reliable favorite for holiday dinners, potlucks, or casual weeknight meals. The glossy, slightly thickened sauce coats each slice beautifully, offering a refreshing contrast to rich, savory mains like roasted meats or poultry. It’s a timeless recipe that brings a burst of color and flavor to any table.
Harvard Beets
Description
Harvard Beets are a quintessential New England side dish that transforms simple canned beets into an elegant, restaurant-quality accompaniment. The deep earthy sweetness of the beets is perfectly balanced by a vibrant, tangy glaze made from orange juice, vinegar, and a hint of sugar. The addition of fresh orange peel adds a subtle citrus aroma and visual appeal. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a reliable favorite for holiday dinners, potlucks, or casual weeknight meals. The glossy, slightly thickened sauce coats each slice beautifully, offering a refreshing contrast to rich, savory mains like roasted meats or poultry. It&# 226;ÂÂs a timeless recipe that brings a burst of color and flavor to any table.Ingredients
Directions
-
Drain the canned beets, reserving exactly 2 tablespoons of the beet liquid. Set the beets aside.
-
In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch to ensure there are no lumps.
-
Add the reserved beet liquid, orange juice, and vinegar to the saucepan. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
-
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the liquid to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
-
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened to a glossy glaze.
-
Gently fold in the drained beets and the grated orange peel.
-
Heat the beets through for another minute, ensuring they are coated in the glaze, then remove from heat and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 108.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.2g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 72.2mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 26.3g9%
- Dietary Fiber 2.8g12%
- Sugars 21.8g
- Protein 1.6g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The glaze may thicken further as it cools; reheat gently with a splash of water or orange juice to restore consistency.
Substitutions: You can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tang. For a lower-sugar option, reduce the sugar to 1 tablespoon, but note that cornstarch requires some sugar to prevent a pasty texture.
Tips: For a deeper color and flavor, use fresh orange juice rather than bottled. If using fresh beets, boil them until tender before peeling and slicing.
