Description
Barefoot Contessa’s stewed rhubarb and red berries offer a delightful harmony of tart and sweet flavors. Ina Garten’s simple yet elegant dessert brings seasonal produce together in a charming compote perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits:
- 900 grams (2 pounds) fresh rhubarb, cut into 2 centimeters (¾-inch) chunks (6 to 8 cups)
- 300 grams (1 pint) fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and thickly sliced
- 150 grams (½ pint) fresh or frozen raspberries
Sugars and Seasonings:
- 200 grams (1 cup) caster sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Liquids and Extras:
- 80 milliliters (⅓ cup) freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
- 80 milliliters (⅓ cup) freshly squeezed orange juice (2 oranges)
- 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier or Triple Sec liqueur (optional)
Serving:
- Sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Meticulously select vibrant, crisp rhubarb stalks and plump berries, ensuring peak ripeness for optimal flavor complexity. Fresh produce guarantees superior taste and texture.
- Precisely chop rhubarb into uniform 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) segments, maintaining consistent size for even cooking and harmonious texture.
- Gently combine rhubarb pieces with berries in a substantial cooking vessel, allowing their natural juices to intermingle and create a luscious foundation.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly across the fruit mixture, ensuring comprehensive coating and balanced sweetness distribution.
- Incorporate cornstarch gradually, stirring methodically to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth, silky consistency that will naturally thicken during cooking.
- Apply moderate heat, stirring occasionally to prevent fruit from sticking and promote uniform caramelization and juice release.
- Simmer the fruit medley for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, watching carefully until rhubarb softens and berries release their vibrant, rich juices.
- Remove from heat when fruit reaches a tender, slightly jammy consistency, allowing residual warmth to complete final texture refinement.
- Introduce optional flavor enhancers like vanilla extract or ground cinnamon during final moments of cooking for nuanced aromatic depth.
- Allow stewed fruit to cool slightly, enabling natural thickening and flavor melding before serving or storing in refrigerated conditions.
Notes
- Grab seasonal, vibrant rhubarb and berries from local farmers markets or fresh produce sections for maximum taste and nutrition.
- Experiment with honey or maple syrup as natural sweetener alternatives to balance the tartness of the fruit.
- Sprinkle toasted nuts like almonds or pecans on top for a delightful crunch and added texture.
- Transform leftovers into a quick breakfast by mixing with granola or stirring into morning oatmeal.
- Freeze extra portions in sealed containers for up to three months, preserving the bright summer flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: Approximately 116
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31.2g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0.4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg