Are you looking for a vibrant and flavorful side dish that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Harvard Beets recipe! This classic dish features tender, earthy beets perfectly complemented by a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy vinaigrette. It's the perfect addition to any holiday meal or weeknight dinner, impressing your guests with its beautiful color and delightful taste. This recipe uses fresh beets for the most intense flavor and vibrant color – a true homemade cooking delight! It’s one of those easy recipes that always feels special.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh beets, trimmed and scrubbed (about 4 medium)
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar (brown or white)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cooking the Beets
- Boiling Method: Place the beets in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces the center. Check for doneness frequently as cooking time depends on the size of the beets.
- Baking Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each beet individually in foil. Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until tender. Check for doneness with a fork.
Step 2: Peeling and Slicing the Beets
- Once the beets are cool enough to handle, peel them under cold running water. This helps remove the skins easily.
- Slice the beets into 1/4-inch thick rounds or wedges.
Step 3: Making the Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, Dijon mustard, grated ginger, ground cloves, and black pepper.
- Season with salt to taste.
Step 4: Combining and Serving
- Add the sliced beets to the vinaigrette and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Let the beets marinate in the vinaigrette for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor. This allows the beets to absorb the delicious flavors of the dressing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For a quicker cooking method, consider using pre-cooked beets from the grocery store. Simply slice them and toss with the vinaigrette.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet vinaigrette, reduce the sugar to 1 tablespoon.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a touch of heat.
- Orange zest or balsamic vinegar can add extra layers of flavor.
- These Harvard beets make a fantastic addition to salads, grain bowls, or as a side dish to roasted meats.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Nutritional information will vary based on beet size and specific ingredients used. A general estimate per serving would be:
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Protein: 2-3g
This Harvard Beets recipe is a healthy and delicious addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas. It’s a perfect example of simple, homemade cooking that yields impressive results. Enjoy!