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Harvard Beets

A vibrant, sweet, and tangy dish that elevates beets into a delightful side, perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups cooked beets, peeled and sliced
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup beet cooking liquid or water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prep the Beets: Wash and peel your beets, then cook them in boiling water for 30-40 minutes until fork-tender or roast at 400°F for about 30 minutes.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, apple cider vinegar, beet cooking liquid, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
  3. Thicken it Up: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water. Add this slurry to the simmering sauce while stirring continuously.
  4. Finish with Butter: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the unsalted butter and black pepper.
  5. Combine the Beets and Sauce: Toss the sliced beets into the sauce and gently stir until fully coated.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley, and let sit for a few hours for flavors to meld.

Notes

Harvard Beets taste better the next day, and storing them in an airtight container in the fridge retains freshness for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Harvard Beets, side dish, beets, vegetables, holiday recipe, nostalgia