Are you ready to transform ordinary fruits into an extraordinary dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds? This Fresh and Dried Fruit Compote is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that blends the vibrant freshness of seasonal berries with the rich, concentrated sweetness of dried apricots. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a versatile dish that can elevate your breakfast, dessert, or even serve as a stunning accompaniment to your favorite dishes.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: International
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash the fresh strawberries and blueberries thoroughly under cool running water, then gently pat them dry with paper towels.
- Slice the strawberries into uniform pieces, approximately 1/4 inch thick, to ensure even cooking and presentation.
- Chop the dried apricots into small, bite-sized pieces, roughly 1/2 inch in size.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, and lemon juice, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the liquid mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sugar from burning.
- Add the chopped dried apricots to the simmering liquid and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing them to soften and absorb the syrup.
- Gently fold in the fresh strawberries and blueberries, reducing the heat to low to prevent overcooking.
- Simmer the fruit mixture for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the fruits are tender but still maintain their shape and vibrant colors.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the compote cool at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the compote to a serving bowl or individual dessert dishes, ensuring an even distribution of fruits.
- Optional: Serve chilled or at room temperature, and garnish with a mint leaf or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Tips
- Choose ripe, high-quality fruits to ensure maximum flavor and texture in your compote.
- Cut fruits uniformly to promote even cooking and an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
- Use low heat when adding fresh berries to preserve their delicate structure and bright colors.
- Don't overcook the fruits—you want them tender but still maintaining their shape and individual character.
- Experiment with different fruit combinations based on seasonal availability.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the syrup.
- Cool the compote completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain the fruits' integrity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 100kcal
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
