Are you ready to transform the humble beet into a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance? Imagine a side dish so irresistible, it turns even the most veggie-skeptical diners into beet believers! Our Orange and Brown Sugar Glazed Beets recipe is a game-changing combination of earthy root vegetables, bright citrus, and caramelized sweetness that will elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Get ready to discover a side dish that's not just healthy, but absolutely mouthwatering!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a medium-sized baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Thoroughly wash and peel the beets, then carefully cube them into approximately 1-inch uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Place the cubed beets in the prepared baking dish, spreading them in a single layer to promote even roasting.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, brown sugar, and melted butter until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the orange-brown sugar glaze evenly over the beet cubes, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the beets to enhance the sweet and tangy flavors.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and help the beets steam while roasting.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the foil during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize and create a slight crispy exterior.
- Remove from oven and let the beets rest for 5 minutes to allow the glaze to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve warm as a side dish, garnishing with fresh orange zest or chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm beets with smooth skin for the best flavor and texture.
- Wear kitchen gloves when peeling beets to prevent staining your hands.
- Cut beets into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or ground ginger to the glaze.
- Don't skip the aluminum foil cover - it helps steam the beets and lock in moisture.
- For a more intense caramelized finish, broil the beets for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Fresh orange zest as a garnish can add a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
