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Strawberry-Rhubarb Compote With Fennel Recipe

Daniel Gritzer
Strawberry-Rhubarb Compote With Fennel Recipe

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

This classic springtime combination, spiked with the anise flavor of fennel seed, is incredibly versatile: Just add more or less sugar to suit your taste. If left more tart, it's perfect with a grilled or seared pork chop; slightly sweeter, and it's great as a breakfast topping for yogurt, waffles, or pancakes; sweeten it even more and you can use it on an ice cream sundae. As written, the recipe hits the middle spot, good for breakfast or a not-too-sweet dessert. Feel free to adjust to your own preferences.

Why It Works

  • Cooking the rhubarb first allows it to fully soften and break down, creating a thick sauce.
  • Fennel seed adds an intriguing sweet-savory note that works well in all applications.

Read more: Strawberry-Rhubarb Compote: The Versatile Sweet-Tart Spring Fruit Sauce

  • Yield:Makes about 1 quart
  • Active time: 20 minutes
  • Total time:20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3/4 pound (350g) rhubarb, diced
  • 10 ounces (300g) strawberries, hulled and quartered
  • Up to 1/2 cup (100g) sugar (see note)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground fennel seed (from about 3/4 teaspoon whole seeds)
  • Pinch kosher salt

Directions

  1. 1.

    In a medium saucepan, combine rhubarb with 1/2 cup water and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Lower heat to maintain a fast simmer, cover, and cook until rhubarb is fully softened and beginning to break down, about 4 minutes.

  2. 2.

    Uncover and add strawberries, sugar to taste (see note), fennel, and salt. Continue to cook uncovered over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until strawberries are very soft and plump, about 10 minutes; if compote becomes too thick during cooking, add a small amount of water to thin slightly. Serve hot or cold. Compote will keep for up to 5 days refrigerated in a sealed container.

This Recipe Appears In
Strawberry-Rhubarb Compote: The Versatile Sweet-Tart Spring Fruit Sauce

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