If you're looking for a sweet and sour side dish to complement your meal, you might want to consider Harvard beets. At just 60 calories per 1/3 cup (89 g) serving, they're a healthy and flavorful way to add some color to your plate.
In addition to being low in calories, Harvard beets are also a good source of fiber and essential nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. They're also naturally sweet, which means you can enjoy them without the need for added sugars or syrups.
In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies for preparing and serving Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets to make them a crowd-pleasing favorite at your next dinner party or family gathering.
Calories in Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets
As we mentioned earlier, 1/3 cup (89 g) of Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets contains only 60 calories. This makes them a great addition to any meal, especially if you're trying to watch your calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight.
Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets Nutrition Facts
In addition to being low in calories, Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets are also a good source of several key nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional content for a 1/3 cup (89 g) serving:
- Calories: 60
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Vitamin C: 15% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Potassium: 6% of the DV
Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets Ingredients
To make Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) sliced beets, drained
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
If you prefer to use fresh beets instead of canned, you can replace the 2 cans of sliced beets with 4-5 fresh beets, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch rounds.
Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets Serving Size
A 1/3 cup (89 g) serving of Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets is a great side dish to enjoy with any meal. However, you can adjust the serving size to suit your needs and preferences. If you're serving a larger group, you may want to double or triple the recipe to ensure everyone gets a generous helping of these delicious beets.
Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets Benefits
There are several benefits of incorporating Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets into your diet, including:
- Low in calories
- Good source of fiber
- Rich in essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and potassium
- Naturally sweet, so you can enjoy them without added sugars or syrups
- Easy to prepare and serve alongside any meal
Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets Side Effects
Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets are generally safe for most people to consume. However, if you have a history of kidney stones, you may want to limit your intake of beets, as they are high in oxalates. Additionally, some people may experience temporary discoloration of their urine or stool after consuming beets. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about.
Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets Storage Instructions
Once prepared, Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. However, we recommend consuming them within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets Preparation Tips
To prepare Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets, follow these simple steps:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the white vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add the drained sliced beets to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the cold water and then add the mixture to the skillet.
- Continue cooking the beets over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the beets are heated through (about 5-7 minutes).
Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets Recipes
There are many creative ways to incorporate Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets into your meals. Here are a few recipe ideas to get you started:
- Add them to a salad for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve them alongside grilled chicken or fish for a healthy and delicious meal.
- Use them as a topping for burgers or sandwiches.
- Add them to a veggie wrap for a satisfying lunch on the go.
Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets FAQs
Here are some common questions and answers about Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets:
- Q: Can I replace the white vinegar with apple cider vinegar?
- A: Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar as a substitute if you prefer.
- Q: Can I use canned beets instead of fresh beets?
- A: Yes, canned beets work well in this recipe and can save you time and effort in the kitchen.
- Q: Can I freeze Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets?
- A: We do not recommend freezing these beets, as the texture and flavor may be affected when thawed.
Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets are a healthy and flavorful side dish that can complement any meal.
5 FAQ about Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets
1. What are Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets?
Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets are a type of pickled beet that is made with vinegar and sugar to give it a tangy and sweet flavor. The beets are cooked and then soaked in the pickling mixture to preserve them.
2. How many calories are in 1/3 cup of Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets?
There are 60 calories in 1/3 cup (89 g) of Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets.
3. Are Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets healthy?
Beets are packed with nutrients like fiber, folate, and potassium. However, the pickling process can add sugar and sodium to the beets, so it's important to consume them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
4. How can I incorporate Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets into my meals?
Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets are a great addition to salads, sandwiches, or as a side dish. They can also be used as a topping for burgers or tacos, or added to a charcuterie board for a pop of color and flavor.
5. Can I make Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets at home?
Yes, you can make Sweet & Sour Harvard Beets at home by cooking and pickling fresh beets with a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices. There are many recipes available online that you can try.