### Delightful Strawberry Compote: A Versatile Treat
Swirl it into your morning yogurt, spoon it over ice cream, or simply enjoy it straight from the jar—this strawberry compote is a delicious addition to any meal.
Why This Recipe Works
Adding lemon juice introduces a refreshing acidity that balances the natural sweetness of the strawberries. By using just a touch of sugar, we ensure that the compote remains light and not overly sweet. The gentle simmering process softens the strawberries, resulting in a beautifully jammy texture.
I have an undeniable weakness for fresh produce at farmers’ markets. When summer fruits like strawberries, cherries, and peaches are in season, I can’t resist filling my basket to overflowing. I often find myself justifying my purchases with thoughts of how fleeting these flavors are—after all, summer doesn’t last forever!
However, my enthusiasm sometimes leads to an excess of fruit that I can’t consume before it starts to lose its luster. When my strawberries begin to look less than perfect, I pivot and transform them into a luscious compote. I stockpile jars in my freezer as if preparing for winter hibernation; this way, I can savor summer’s bounty long after the season has passed.
This versatile compote is perfect for swirling into yogurt or oatmeal and makes an excellent layer in desserts. As noted by Daniel in his strawberry-rhubarb recipe: it’s sweet enough for dessert but not so sugary that you can’t enjoy it at breakfast too! You can easily customize its sweetness by adjusting the sugar content or adding more lemon juice for extra tanginess. And if fresh strawberries aren’t available? Don’t hesitate to use frozen ones—they’re often picked at peak ripeness and can be just as delightful.
Simple 3-Ingredient Strawberry Compote Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds (680 g) fresh or frozen hulled strawberries (quartered)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (1 ½ ounces; 45 g)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice from one medium lemon
Instructions: 1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the quartered strawberries with sugar and lemon juice.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally until the berries soften and start releasing their juices—about 20 minutes.
- For a thicker consistency akin to jam, continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool before transferring your compote into an airtight container for refrigeration.
Special Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
Make-Ahead Tips & Storage
This strawberry compote will keep well in your refrigerator for up to five days when stored properly in an airtight container or can be frozen for up to three months.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 197 |
| Total Fat | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 49g |
| Protein | 2g |
Daily Values based on a standard diet of 2,000 calories may vary according to individual dietary needs.
Enjoy this delightful strawberry compote throughout your meals—it’s sure to brighten even the coldest winter days!