Secrets to the perfect Christmas fruit compote
We drink dried fruit compote only once a year, during Christmas Eve. According to folk beliefs, it symbolizes hospitality, abundance, and prosperity. It's no wonder, as it's full of fruits and spices. Here's what you shouldn't forget to include in it.
Native and exotic ingredients
Dried fruit compote originates from the traditions of various cultures living in Poland, including the Lemkos, making it a blend of many flavors. The basic ingredients of the compote are dried fruits, especially plums, apples, pears, and apricots. Over time, exotic ingredients have been added to the recipe.
Delicious and aids digestion
Properly selecting dried fruits and spices is key to successfully preparing the perfect compote. It's crucial to ensure that the dried plums are of the highest quality and come from reliable sources. The dried plum from Sechna in Lesser Poland, is one of the most popular choices for its intensely smoky flavor, which pairs perfectly with spicy seasonings.
Typical additions to dried fruit compote also include dried pears and apples, which together form a harmonious mix. The rich fiber and vitamins in these fruits make the drink beneficial for health. It also aids digestion, which is significant after dinner.
More freshness
To give the dried fruit compote a unique aroma, it's worth adding spices like cinnamon, cloves, or anise. These ingredients add depth of flavor and give the drink a remarkable fragrance. Adding fresh pieces of fruit, such as apples, lemon, or orange, can also be beneficial. They add a refreshing note. Make sure to add them at the end of cooking.
Traditional dried fruit compote
Ingredients:
- 3.5 oz dried plums
- 3.5 oz dried apples
- 3.5 oz dried pears
- 1 oz raisins
- 0.7 oz cranberries
- 1.8 oz dried apricots
- a few figs
- 1 tablespoon orange peel
- 1-2 cinnamon sticks
- 4-5 cloves
- 1 star anise
- 2 cardamom seeds
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
- a few slices of ginger, optional
- honey to taste
Preparation method:
- Rinse the dried fruits in warm water and soak them in just over 1 gallon of water for half an hour.
- Add the orange peel, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cardamom.
- Simmer everything on low heat for 15-30 minutes until the fruits are soft.
- Let the compote sit for 2-3 hours to allow the fruits to swell and the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, adjust the taste with lemon juice and honey.
