Mom'S Harvard Beets
Mom's Harvard Beets offer a sweet and tangy side dish with tender canned beets coated in a flavorful sugar, vinegar, and butter glaze. Its vibrant color and balance of flavors make it a nostalgic favorite, perfect for family dinners or holiday tables seeking a touch of tradition.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a low heated skillet.
- Make a paste of sugar, salt, vinegar, water, and cornstarch.
- Mix together the ingredients until smooth.
- Add canned beets to the skillet.
- Stir and let simmer until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Mom's Harvard Beets, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to the sauce for a warm spice note. If you're out of canned beets, you can use fresh beets; just cook and peel them before adding to the skillet. For a lower sugar version, reduce the sugar by half and replace with a sugar alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mom's Harvard Beets as a vibrant side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled vegetables. They pair beautifully with Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes for a contrasting flavor and color on the plate. For a complete meal, consider serving with Country Cornbread and a refreshing salad to balance the sweetness of the beets.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Harvard Beets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Harvard Beets contains roughly 563 calories, with 0g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1756mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
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 absolutely use fresh beets. Simply boil or roast them until tender, peel, and slice before adding to the sauce. This will give your dish a fresher taste and a firmer texture.
How can I adjust the sweetness if I want it less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the dish, try cutting the sugar in half and using a bit of lemon juice to balance the flavors. You can also experiment with using less vinegar, which will help reduce the overall sweetness while maintaining the tangy element.
What can I serve with Harvard Beets?
Harvard Beets are versatile and pair well with various dishes. They complement roasted meats, particularly pork or chicken, and go nicely with vegetarian recipes like a hearty grain salad. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a slice of Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pie for dessert.
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).