A sweet, versatile topping ready in just 20 minutes!
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Make a fresh and flavorful compote with minimal effort.
- Versatile: Use it as a topping for desserts, breakfast, or beverages.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and consistency to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh or frozen strawberries
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients:
Add strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest to a medium saucepan. Stir to combine. - Cook the Compote:
Heat over medium to medium-low, stirring occasionally. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until the berries break down and the sauce thickens. - Cool and Serve:
Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm or chilled with your favorite dishes.
Tips for Success
- Gentle Simmer: Avoid a vigorous boil to prevent overcooking. A gentle simmer helps thicken the sauce without breaking down the berries too much.
- Adjust Texture: For a chunky compote, leave some strawberries halved or whole. For a smoother sauce, mash the berries slightly as they cook.
- Enhance Flavor: Add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon zest for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
- Use Other Berries: Substitute or mix with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a berry medley.
- Thicken with Cornstarch: For a thicker compote, mix 2 teaspoons cornstarch with 4 teaspoons water and add at the beginning of the cooking process.
Serving Suggestions
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Perfect as a topping for creamy vanilla bean ice cream.
- Waffles or Pancakes: Drizzle over breakfast classics for a fruity kick.
- Sparkling Water: Stir a spoonful into sparkling water for a refreshing strawberry soda.
- Cheesecake: Use as a topping for cheesecake or cheesecake bars.
- Yogurt: Swirl into plain or vanilla yogurt for a simple dessert or snack.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.
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