Cherishing tradition: The festive allure of dried fruit compote
We enjoy dried fruit compote only once a year, on Christmas Eve. According to folk beliefs, it symbolizes hospitality, abundance, and prosperity. It's filled with fruits and spices, making it no surprise that it's such a cherished tradition. Here's what you should remember to include in it.
Native and exotic ingredients
Dried fruit compote is rooted in the traditions of various cultures living in Poland, including the Lemkos, making it a blend of diverse flavours. The basic ingredients of the compote are dried fruits, especially plums, apples, pears, and apricots. Over time, exotic ingredients have been introduced to the recipe.
Delicious and aids digestion
The proper selection of dried fruits and spices is key to preparing the perfect compote. It's important to ensure that the dried plums are of high quality and come from reliable sources. The dried plum from Sechna in Lesser Poland is particularly popular for its intense smoky flavour, which pairs perfectly with spicy seasonings.
Typical additions to dried fruit compote also include dried pears and apples, creating a harmonious combination. The fibre and vitamins in these fruits make the drink beneficial for health. It also aids digestion, which is especially helpful after dinner.
More freshness
Consider adding spices like cinnamon, cloves, or anise to give the dried fruit compote a unique aroma. These spices add depth of flavour and give the drink a remarkable aroma. Adding fresh pieces of fruit, such as apples, lemon, or orange, can also be a great idea. They will add freshness, and it's best to add them at the end of cooking.
Traditional dried fruit compote
Ingredients:
- 100 g dried plums,
- 100 g dried apples,
- 100 g dried pears,
- 30 g raisins,
- 20 g cranberries,
- 50 g 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 water (about 4 litres) for half an hour.
- Then add the orange peel, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cardamom.
- Simmer everything on low heat for 15 to 30 minutes until the fruits are soft.
- Allow the compote to sit for 2 to 3 hours to let the fruits swell and the compote to develop its flavour.
- Before serving, adjust the taste with lemon juice and honey.
