Hawaiian Harvard Beets
Hawaiian Harvard Beets offer a delightful blend of sweet pineapple and tangy lemon, complemented by tender beets. Perfect as a side dish for tropical or family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat beets in their own juice.
- Add drained pineapple chunks and heat until simmering.
- Retain the liquid from the pineapple.
- Stir the pineapple liquid, lemon juice, and cornstarch together.
- Stir into the simmering beets.
- Cook and stir until thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly different flavor, consider using canned imitation crushed pineapple instead of chunks. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons. Make sure to stir continuously to prevent lumps when adding the cornstarch mixture to the beets. This dish is naturally vegan, making it a great addition to vegan recipes or as a side for a holiday meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hawaiian Harvard Beets warm as a vibrant side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled fish. They also pair beautifully with cold salads or as part of a holiday spread. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of rice or quinoa to complement the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the beets mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian Harvard Beets contains roughly 52 calories, with 2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber.
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, but you'll need to cook them until tender before adding them to the recipe. Boil or roast them until fork-tender, then peel and slice before adding to your dish with the pineapple.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
To adjust sweetness, you can add a bit of sugar or honey to the sauce if desired. Start with a teaspoon and taste as you go, especially if you prefer a sweeter flavor to complement the acidity of the lemon juice.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Hawaiian Harvard Beets are perfect for meal prep. They keep well in the fridge and can be served chilled or reheated. Make a batch at the beginning of the week to enjoy as a side throughout your meals.
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).