Vegan Strawberry Compote Recipe

Introduction: Embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with our delightful Vegan Strawberry Compote recipe. Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries and enhanced with a hint of tanginess, this versatile compote is a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Whether drizzled over pancakes, swirled into yogurt, or spooned onto toast, this homemade compote will elevate your breakfasts, desserts, and snacks with its fresh taste and vibrant color. Follow along to discover how simple it is to capture the essence of summer in every spoonful.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (about 450g) fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the strawberries: Start by washing the strawberries under cold running water. Remove the stems and hulls, then quarter the strawberries, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
  2. Cook the strawberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the quartered strawberries, granulated sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to combine, then place the saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Simmer the mixture: Allow the strawberry mixture to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook the strawberries for 10-15 minutes, or until they have softened and released their juices. Use a fork or potato masher to lightly mash the strawberries, leaving some texture for a rustic compote.
  4. Adjust sweetness: Taste the compote and adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more sugar if desired. Keep in mind that the sweetness of the compote will vary depending on the ripeness of the strawberries.
  5. Thicken the compote (optional): If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can continue to simmer the compote for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness. Alternatively, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the compote to thicken it.
  6. Cool and store: Once the compote has reached your desired consistency and sweetness, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the compote to cool slightly. Transfer the compote to a clean jar or container and let it cool completely before sealing with a lid.
  7. Serve or store: Serve the Vegan Strawberry Compote warm or chilled, depending on your preference. Enjoy it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, yogurt, ice cream, or toast. Store any leftover compote in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Conclusion: Celebrate the abundance of summer with our irresistible Vegan Strawberry Compote. Crafted with ripe strawberries, a hint of lemon, and a touch of sweetness, this homemade compote captures the essence of the season in every spoonful. Versatile and delicious, it’s the perfect way to elevate your favorite breakfast and dessert dishes with a burst of fresh flavor. Embrace the simplicity of this recipe and savor the taste of summer year-round.

Introduction: Dive into the epitome of summer indulgence with our tantalizing Vegan Strawberry Compote. Crafted with the finest, ripe strawberries and infused with a symphony of flavors, this luscious compote promises to transport your taste buds to a sun-kissed paradise. Whether generously spooned over fluffy pancakes, delicately swirled into creamy yogurt, or elegantly drizzled atop golden toast, this homemade delight embodies the essence of summer in every delectable bite. Join us on a culinary journey as we unveil the secrets to creating this irresistible treat that will elevate your breakfasts, desserts, and snacks to new heights of flavor and satisfaction.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (about 900g) fresh, ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Begin with the strawberries: Select the plumpest, ripest strawberries available, ensuring they are free from any blemishes. Carefully wash the strawberries under cool, running water, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Using a paring knife or huller, remove the stems and hulls from the strawberries, then slice them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and a delightful texture in the finished compote.
  2. Prepare the saucepan: Choose a heavy-bottomed saucepan that will allow for even heat distribution during the cooking process. Place the saucepan on the stovetop and adjust the heat to medium-low to prevent scorching while the compote simmers.
  3. Combine the ingredients: In the saucepan, combine the freshly sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, pure vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. Gently stir the ingredients together until the strawberries are evenly coated with the sugar and other flavorings, ensuring a harmonious blend of sweetness and acidity in the final compote.
  4. Initiate the simmer: With the saucepan set over medium-low heat, allow the strawberry mixture to gently come to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking. As the strawberries begin to release their natural juices and meld with the sugar and other ingredients, the aroma of summer will permeate your kitchen, tantalizing your senses and building anticipation for the delightful treat to come.
  5. Monitor and adjust: As the compote simmers, keep a watchful eye on the mixture to prevent it from boiling over or scorching on the bottom of the saucepan. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer, allowing the strawberries to soften and the flavors to intensify gradually.
  6. Harness the magic: Throughout the cooking process, use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently mash some of the strawberries against the side of the saucepan, releasing their juices and creating a luscious, velvety texture in the compote. This step will also help to thicken the compote naturally, enhancing its richness and depth of flavor without the need for additional thickeners.
  7. Taste and refine: As the compote nears completion, take a moment to taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness and acidity to your liking. Depending on the ripeness of the strawberries and your personal preference, you may choose to add a touch more sugar for sweetness or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Remember, the beauty of homemade compote lies in its adaptability and customization to suit your individual palate.
  8. Achieve perfection: Continue to simmer the compote gently until it reaches your desired consistency, with the strawberries softened and the liquid reduced to a glossy, syrupy texture that coats the back of a spoon. The compote should have a luxurious thickness that clings to the strawberries, promising a burst of flavor with every spoonful.
  9. Cool and store: Once the compote has reached its peak of perfection, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the compote to cool slightly before transferring it to clean, sterilized jars or containers. Allow the compote to cool completely at room temperature before sealing the containers with airtight lids and storing them in the refrigerator.
  10. Serve with flair: When you’re ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor, retrieve the chilled compote from the refrigerator and prepare to indulge in a symphony of flavor and texture. Spoon the compote generously over your favorite breakfast or dessert creations, whether it’s fluffy pancakes, creamy yogurt parfaits, decadent cheesecakes, or buttery scones. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance, then savor each exquisite bite as the flavors dance across your palate, leaving you longing for more.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: Approximately 60 kcal
  • Total Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 0g

SmartPoints® value per serving: 2 SmartPoints®

Conclusion: Elevate your culinary repertoire with our enchanting Vegan Strawberry Compote, a celebration of summer’s bounty and nature’s sweetness in every spoonful. Crafted with care and attention to detail, this homemade delicacy promises to delight your senses and elevate your favorite breakfast and dessert creations to new heights of flavor and indulgence. Whether enjoyed on a lazy weekend morning or as a delightful finale to a special meal, this versatile compote is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Embrace the art of slow cooking and savor the simple joys of life with this exquisite treat that captures the essence of summer in its purest form.