📝 About This Recipe
A sophisticated twist on a New England classic, these Harvard Beets are baked to concentrated perfection rather than simmered, allowing the natural sugars to caramelize beautifully. This dish features earthy, tender beets enveloped in a velvety, translucent ruby-red sauce that strikes the perfect balance between tangy cider vinegar and sweet sugar. It is a vibrant, jewel-toned side dish that brings a touch of Ivy League nostalgia and refined flavor to any holiday table or Sunday roast.
🥗 Ingredients
The Star Vegetables
- 2 pounds Fresh Beets (medium-sized, stems removed, scrubbed clean)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for roasting the beets)
The Sweet and Sour Glaze
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (can substitute with light brown sugar for deeper flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (acts as the thickening agent)
- 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (provides the classic tang)
- 1/4 cup Reserved Beet Juice or Water (to thin the glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1 pinch Ground Cloves (optional, for a warm aromatic note)
The Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
- 1 teaspoon Orange Zest (freshly grated)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (finely chopped for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a large piece of aluminum foil or a covered baking dish.
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2
Trim the beet greens (save them for another meal!) and scrub the bulbs thoroughly. Place the beets on the foil, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap them tightly into a pouch.
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3
Roast the beets in the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a knife slides easily into the center. Remove from the oven and let them cool until they can be handled.
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4
While the beets are roasting, lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the final baking phase.
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5
Once cool enough to touch, use a paper towel to rub the skins off the beets. They should slip right off. Slice the peeled beets into 1/4-inch thick rounds or bite-sized wedges.
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6
In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and ground cloves.
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7
Slowly pour in the apple cider vinegar and the reserved beet juice (or water), whisking constantly to ensure there are no cornstarch lumps.
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8
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes clear and glossy.
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9
Remove the sauce from the heat and whisk in the cold butter cubes and orange zest until the butter is fully melted and the sauce is silky.
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10
Place the sliced beets into a 1.5-quart baking dish or a decorative gratin dish. Pour the warm glaze evenly over the beets, tossing gently to coat.
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11
Cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. This allows the beets to absorb the flavors of the glaze.
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12
Remove from the oven and give the beets one final gentle toss. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the best color, use fresh beets rather than canned; the flavor is significantly deeper. Wear gloves when peeling and slicing the beets to avoid staining your hands bright pink. If the glaze becomes too thick while baking, stir in a tablespoon of hot water to loosen it back to a syrupy consistency. You can prepare the roasted beets a day in advance and store them in the fridge to save time on the day of serving. Don't skip the butter at the end; it provides a professional 'monté au beurre' finish that makes the sauce shine.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a classic Roasted Pork Loin or baked ham to complement the sweet-tart profile. Pairs beautifully with a crisp, acidic white wine like a Dry Riesling or a Sauvignon Blanc. Accompany with creamy mashed potatoes or a parsnip purée to soak up the extra ruby glaze. Add a dollop of goat cheese or crumbled feta on top just before serving for a modern, creamy contrast. Great as a side for Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas roast beef.