Making Fruit Compote
A good compote relies on the natural structure of the fruit. By keeping the pieces uniform, you ensure they soften at the same rate, leaving you with distinct fruit chunks suspended in a concentrated syrup.
Consistency is everything
Cut your fruit into uniform pieces so they cook evenly; if you mix soft berries with firm apples, add the softer fruit halfway through the process.
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp paring knife
What goes in.
- 1 lbfresh fruit (stone fruit, berries, or pears), chopped
- 1/4 cupgranulated sugar
- 2 tbspwater, fruit juice, or wine
- 1 tsplemon juice
- optionalcinnamon stick or vanilla bean
Monitoring the syrup
You are looking for the moment the liquid bubbles grow large and lazy, clinging to the back of your wooden spoon. If you drag your finger through that coating, the line should stay clean.
The method.
Prepare the fruit
Peel, pit, or hull as necessary and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Keep the size consistent.
Combine
Place fruit, sugar, liquid, and aromatics in the saucepan over medium heat.
Simmer
Bring to a gentle bubble. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until the fruit is tender but still holding its shape, about 8 to 12 minutes.
Reduce
Remove the lid and increase heat slightly to evaporate excess liquid. Stir gently until the syrup coats the fruit in a light glaze.
Finish
Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Remove from heat and fish out any whole spices.
Other turns to take.
Dried Fruit Compote
Soak dried apricots or prunes in warm water for 20 minutes before cooking. Increase the liquid and simmering time.
Spiced Berry
Add a star anise or a pinch of black pepper to darker berries like blackberries or plums.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Always start with less sugar than you think you need; you can stir in more at the end, but you cannot take it out.
Do not over-stir, or you will turn your compote into jam.
Serve it warm over yogurt or cold with pound cake.
The ones that keep coming up.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes, but skip the added water in the ingredients list, as frozen fruit releases significantly more liquid when it thaws.
How long will this last?
Kept in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to five days.