Big Sister'S Harvard Beets

Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Harvard Beets offer a sweet and tangy side dish with tender sliced beets glazed in a vinegar-sugar mixture, perfect for family dinners and traditional comfort food lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1 can sliced beets
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon margarine
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • dash of pepper

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan.
  2. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For optimal flavor, consider using fresh beets instead of canned ones. If you want a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for a milder taste, or try maple syrup in place of sugar for a unique twist. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked beets to reduce cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Big Sister's Harvard Beets alongside roasted meats or as a tangy side for holiday meals. They pair beautifully with American recipes like Sweet Chili Franks or even as a vibrant addition to a salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with a starch like mashed potatoes or rice to balance the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Big Sister'S Harvard Beets contains roughly 127 calories, with 1g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 543mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).

127 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1g 2% DV
Total Fat 0.6g 1% DV
Carbs 25.3g 9% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 15.9g 32% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 542.8mg 24% DV
Potassium 181.2mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.8mcg
Vitamin C 9.2mg 10% DV
Calcium 33.8mg 3% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh beets instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh beets! Just peel, boil, and slice them before adding to the saucepan. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegans as it contains no animal products. To make it even healthier, consider using olive oil instead of margarine.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?

You can adjust the sweetness by reducing or increasing the sugar according to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet dish, start with half the sugar and add more if needed.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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