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Harvard Beets

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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.
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Calories: 108.2
Dietary: Gluten-free, Vegan, Vegetarian
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;€™s a timeless recipe that brings a burst of color and flavor to any table.
Ingredients
  • 1 can Sliced beets, drained (reserve 2 tbsp liquid)
  • 2 tablespoon Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup Orange juice
  • 2 tablespoon Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Orange peel, grated
Directions
  1. 1
    Drain the canned beets, reserving exactly 2 tablespoons of the beet liquid. Set the beets aside.
  2. 2
    In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch to ensure there are no lumps.
  3. 3
    Add the reserved beet liquid, orange juice, and vinegar to the saucepan. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
  4. 4
    Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the liquid to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
  5. 5
    Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened to a glossy glaze.
  6. 6
    Gently fold in the drained beets and the grated orange peel.
  7. 7
    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.

Keywords: beets, harvard beets, orange glaze, side dish, vinegar, canned beets, cornstarch, citrus, easy recipe, holiday side, new england, vegetarian, glazed vegetables, thanksgiving, christmas dinner, quick sides, beet recipe, orange juice, simmered, classic side
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/harvard-beets/