Dried fruit compote: The festive drink rich in tradition
We drink dried fruit compote only once a year, during Christmas Eve. According to folk beliefs, it symbolises hospitality, abundance, and prosperity. It's no wonder, as it's full of fruits and spices. Here's what you shouldn't forget to include in it.
Native and exotic ingredients
Dried fruit compote originates from the traditions of various cultures living in Poland, including the Lemkos, making it a blend of many flavours. The basic ingredients of the compote are dried fruits, especially plums, apples, pears, and apricots. Over time, exotic ingredients have been added to the recipe.
Delicious and aids digestion
A proper selection of dried fruits and spices is key to successfully preparing the perfect compote. It's worth ensuring that the dried plums are of the highest quality and come from reliable sources. The dried plum from Sechna in Lesser Poland is one of the most popular choices for its intense smoky flavour, which pairs perfectly with spicy seasonings.
Typical additions to dried fruit compote also include dried pears and apples, which together form a harmonious whole. The richness of fibre and vitamins in these fruits makes the drink beneficial for health. It also aids digestion, which is significant after dinner.
More freshness
It's worth adding spices like cinnamon, cloves, or anise to give the dried fruit compote a unique aroma. These ingredients 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 good idea. They will add freshness. Add them at the end of cooking.
Traditional dried fruit compote
Ingredients:
- 100 grams dried plums,
- 100 grams dried apples,
- 100 grams dried pears,
- 30 grams raisins,
- 20 grams cranberries,
- 50 grams 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 (just over 4 litres) for half an hour.
- Then, add the orange peel, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cardamom.
- Simmer everything on low heat for 15-30 minutes until the fruits are soft.
- Then, let the compote sit for 2-3 hours to allow the fruits to swell and the compote to develop flavour.
- Before serving, adjust the taste with lemon juice and honey.
