Anne’s Sweet and Tangy Radcliffe Beets
Take your beets to the next level with this sweet and tangy recipe. Made with canned beets, orange juice, and red wine vinegar.
Canned beets make these elegant, sweet, and tangy beets a snap to fix. With orange juice and red wine vinegar, these ivy league beets offer a creative twist on Harvard beets. The recipe hails back to when Radcliffe was a women’s college and separate from Harvard. It’s still a tasty recipe!
Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or weeknight meals, this dish is both unique and incredibly easy to make. Serve warm or chilled, as you prefer.
Why You’ll Love It
Quick and easy. Made with canned beets and pantry staples in under 20 minutes.
Sweet and tangy flavor. Orange juice and vinegar add brightness and balance.
Elegant presentation. Looks beautiful on the table — no one will guess how simple it was.
Perfect for any season. Enjoy warm in the winter or chilled as a summer side.
Ingredient Notes
- Canned beets – Sliced or diced, with liquid reserved.
- Orange – You’ll need both zest and juice for citrusy brightness.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce slightly.
- Red wine vinegar – Adds tang and depth.
- Brown sugar – Sweetens the glaze and balances the vinegar.
- Butter – Rounds out the flavor and adds richness.
- Salt and pepper – Adjust to taste before serving.
Steps to Make Anne’s Sweet and Tangy Radcliffe Beets
- Drain the beets, reserving 1/3 cup of liquid, and set them aside.
- Zest and juice the orange, then combine with the reserved beet juice.
- In the same saucepan, whisk the cornstarch, vinegar, brown sugar, and juice mixture.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then add the beets and butter.
- Simmer briefly, season to taste, and serve warm.
Tips
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor — bottled juice won’t have the same impact.
- Simmer gently to avoid breaking up the beets while warming.
- Make ahead and refrigerate — flavors improve as it chills.
Recipe Variations
- Balsamic swap. Use balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar for a sweeter, more robust flavor.
- Spiced version. Add a dash of cinnamon, clove, or a pinch of allspice for warmth.
- Chili kick. Add a few red pepper flakes for a spicy-sweet variation.
- Herb finish. Stir in chopped fresh dill or parsley just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with roast pork, ham, or turkey.
- Pair with potato dishes or cabbage-based sides for balance.
- Add to a salad plate or charcuterie board for color and contrast.
- Include in holiday meals or buffet spreads for a vibrant pop of flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let cool before sealing.
Freeze? Not recommended — beets may become watery or lose texture upon thawing.
To Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave just until heated through.
Anne’s Sweet and Tangy Radcliffe Beets
Ingredients
- 1 can beets, 15 ounces, sliced or diced
- 1 large orange
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Dash salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pour 1/3 cup of beet juice into a measuring cup and reserve. Put the beets and their remaining liquid in a saucepan and place over medium heat. Bring the beets to a simmer; drain and transfer to a bowl.
- Zest enough of the orange to make 1 teaspoon. Squeeze 5 tablespoons of orange juice. Add the orange juice and zest to the reserved beet juice.
- In the same saucepan used to cook the beets, combine the cornstarch, vinegar, brown sugar, and the beet and orange juice mixture; whisk to blend.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the beets and butter to the saucepan and heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until hot.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
