Harvard Beets, Heart Cookbook
Harvard Beets offer a sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of spice, perfect as a vibrant side dish for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cornstarch, sugar, freshly ground pepper, ground cloves, and orange rind in a 1-quart saucepan.
- Stir in vinegar and beet juice.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Add diced cooked beets and simmer until they are heated through.
- Just before serving, stir in margarine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly, or cook it longer over low heat. If you don't have beet juice on hand, you can use vegetable broth or apple cider for a different flavor profile. Freshly cooked beets are preferable, but canned beets can be used in a pinch. This dish pairs beautifully with Sourdough Rolls Or Bread for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Harvard Beets warm as a side dish alongside roasted meats or a hearty grain salad. They also complement dishes like Cornbread Salad(Very Good) or can be enjoyed over a bed of greens for a refreshing salad option. Garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the beets mushy and affect the texture of the sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Harvard Beets, Heart Cookbook contains roughly 965 calories, with 1g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 97g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 793mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh beets instead of cooked ones?
Yes, you can use fresh beets; simply peel and boil or roast them until tender before dicing. This will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. Remember to save the juice for the sauce!
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
Certainly! To make this dish vegan, substitute margarine with a plant-based butter or olive oil. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly. Enjoy this dish as part of your Vegan recipes collection.
What can I do if my sauce is too thin?
If your sauce doesn't thicken as desired, you can mix a little more cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce while it's simmering. Continue to cook until it thickens to your liking.
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).