If you are looking for a sweet topping that isn’t too sweet, is balanced and bursting with bright seasonal flavors, a compote is the way to go! A compote is a thick sauce made with whole fruits cooked in a sugar syrup. Compotes can be made with practically any type of fruit, but since it is spring, and I just love a berry sauce, I’m whipping up a fresh berry compote. And I’m not kidding when I say ‘whipping up.’ This sauce comes together in minutes, requires simple ingredients and very little skill. Basically, if you can turn on a stove and stir, you’re good.
Here’s what you need:
Use whatever berries you like.
I’m using equal parts of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, but use any combination of berries you like. Or use only one type of berry you like, as long as the total weight comes to 12 ounces. I quartered my strawberries to make them equal in size to the other fruit.
How to make berry compote:
Place everything into a small saucepan and turn to medium-high. Stir pretty regularly as the heat comes up and sugar dissolves. The berries will begin to break down and release their juice which begin to create the sauce. If you’d like, use a wooden spoon to mush up the berries slightly which helps to break them down more quickly.
Once the compote begins to simmer pretty aggressively, after about 5 minutes, turn the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes.
The compote should be deep in color and all of the fruits should be well broken down but still recognizable. Remove the pot from the heat and pour the compote into a bowl to cool.
Storing and serving the compote:
Keep your compote refrigerated for no more than a week, though it will probably be gone after a couple days! It is so delicious and is a perfect topping for many different foods! Spoon it over pancakes, ice cream or oatmeal. I love pairing this delicious topping with my Pecan Praline French Toast!
Other recipes to try:
Easy Mixed Berry Compote
Ingredients
- 12 ounces berries any kind, any stems or pits removed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Place the berries, sugar, juice and salt into a small sauce pan and turn the stove to medium high. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the berries begin to break down. Use a wooden spoon to mush some of the firmer berries. When the sauce begins to bubble pretty aggressively, after about 5 minutes, turn the heat down to medium to medium low heat or a gentle simmer and continue to cook the compote for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Keep refrigerated .