Harvard Beets

Posted in Recipe Collections / Grammie’s Recipes: From the Kitchen of Elsie Damren
Harvard Beets
Harvard Beets is a classic recipe that brings a sweet and tangy twist to the humble beetroot, transforming it into a dish that's as vibrant on the plate as it is in flavor. This dish, with its glossy, rich sauce, is a delightful side that pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains, offering a burst of color and taste that can elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Let's dive into how you can prepare this delightful dish, followed by its nutritional benefits, making it a must-try for your next meal.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups beets, diced and cooked
  • 1 cup liquid (preferably a mix of beet juice and water)
  • ⅓ cup vinegar
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • A dash of pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beets: Start with 3 cups of cooked beets, diced into bite-sized pieces. If you're cooking fresh beets, you can boil or steam them until tender, then dice. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid (a combination of beet juice and water works best) for the sauce.

  2. Heat the Beets: In a saucepan, gently heat the diced beets along with the reserved liquid. This process will ensure that the beets are infused with flavor from the very beginning.

  3. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the vinegar, flour, sugar, salt, and a dash of pepper until well combined. This mixture will be the base of your sauce, providing a lovely sweet and tangy flavor profile.

  4. Combine and Cook: Gradually add the vinegar and flour mixture to the heated beets, stirring constantly. Continue to cook over medium heat until the sauce is well blended and has thickened to your liking. This step is crucial for achieving the glossy, thick sauce that Harvard Beets are famous for.

  5. Serve: Once thickened, your Harvard Beets are ready to be served. This dish makes a wonderful accompaniment to roasted meats, poultry, or a vegetarian main, adding a splash of color and a dose of deliciousness to any plate.

Harvard Beets: A New England Tradition

Harvard Beets hold a special place in the tapestry of American cuisine, particularly resonating with the culinary traditions of New England. This dish, with its roots deeply embedded in American soil, carries with it tales of communal gatherings, family dinners, and the warmth of shared meals. Its name, intriguingly, doesn’t point to a connection with Harvard University as one might initially think, but rather its popularity and the possible adaptation of the color resembling the university’s famous crimson, adds a layer of mystique and tradition to its history.

Personal anecdotes often reveal Harvard Beets as a staple at holiday tables or as a comforting side dish that brings back memories of family gatherings. Many recall the anticipation of seeing the glistening beets make their grand entrance at dinner, signaling a festive occasion or a Sunday meal prepared with extra care. These stories not only highlight the dish’s place in culinary traditions but also its role in knitting families together over generations, with recipes passed down like precious heirlooms.

Innovative Twists on a Classic Dish

For those looking to add a modern twist to this classic dish, consider infusing it with new flavors. The addition of orange zest can transform the beets, lending a bright, citrusy note that complements the sweetness and tanginess perfectly. For a touch of warmth and depth, a hint of ginger can elevate the dish, offering a subtle spice that intrigues the palate. These variations not only pay homage to the dish’s storied past but also invite personal creativity into the kitchen, allowing each cook to make Harvard Beets their own. Whether served at a lavish holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, Harvard Beets remain a beloved classic, cherished for their rich history, vibrant flavor, and the memories they continue to create.

This Harvard Beets recipe is a testament to the timeless appeal of combining simple ingredients to create a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re a long-time lover of beets or just discovering their charm, this recipe is a delightful way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable.

Nutrition Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Servings Per Recipe: 6
  • Calories: 373

% Daily Value

  • Total Fat: 1.1g (1% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 0.3g (2% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 0mg (0% DV)
  • Sodium: 6508mg (283% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 87.3g (32% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 6.8g (24% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 37.6g
  • Protein: 7.8g
  • Vitamin D: 0mcg (0% DV)
  • Calcium: 93mg (7% DV)
  • iron: 8mg (44% DV)
  • Potassium: 421mg (9% DV)

Note: The “% Daily Value” (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Recipe analyzed by verywell.