| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 159 | 0.3g | 0g | 40.9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 35.3g | 1.6g | 0.6g | 0.01g |
Every so often, I come across a recipe that immediately transports me back to my childhood kitchen. Just like Mama and Nonna, it ties two worlds together; my New Jersey upbringing and deep-rooted Italian heritage. This time, it’s the utterly fulfilling and surprisingly healthful Elderberry Syrup Recipe that comes to the forefront. While it’s no spaghetti and meatball dish, this sweet, tangy syrup brings its own unique charm to our family table.
Delightfully fruitful, this recipe combines fresh elderberries, organic honey, lemon juice and a mixture of spices that enchantingly imbue every drop of the syrup. The impressive concoction is akin to so many classic Italian recipes that emphasize fresh, wholesome ingredients.
A Healthy Indulgence
Aside from its intoxicating aroma and marvelous flavor, this Elderberry Syrup Recipe boasts a number of health advantages. Elderberries are considered a powerhouse of antioxidants and vitamins that can boost your immune system. Combined with the honey’s natural antimicrobial properties, this syrup could potentially ward off colds and flu.
Say goodbye to store-bought syrups with their long list of unpronounceable ingredients, and say hello to an all-natural alternative that’s just as sweet, if not significantly better. The added zest of the lemon and the warmth of the ginger only ups its health quotient.
More Than Just A Syrup
Just like any other foodie, I never miss a chance to experiment in my kitchen. This Elderberry Syrup Recipe is dynamic and versatile – it’s so much more than a pancake drizzle or a sweetener for your favorite tea. Try combining it with your go-to vinaigrette recipe for an interesting fruity twist. You can also use it to swath a smoked duck breast or a tender strip steak: an unexpected yet delightfully complex compliment to their savory notes.
As a grandfather constantly seeking for ways to deliver delightful and healthy options for my grandkids, this Elderberry Syrup certainly makes the cut. From the fresh trails of hiking to everyday family dinners, this is an ingredient I intend to keep on hand. Every time I see a bottle of it in my pantry, it’s one vivid reminder of the importance of tradition and why I love doing what I do, recipe after recipe.
The authenticity and versatility of an Elderberry Syrup Recipe proves that some of the best dishes are the simplest; an homage to my Italian roots in which food isn’t just about sustenance, but love, heritage and the joy of family gatherings.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of fresh or 1/2 cup of dried elderberries
- 3 cups of water
- 1 cup of organic honey
- 1 lemon (juice squeezed)
- 1 inch of fresh ginger (peeled and sliced)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tbsp of cloves
Method
Step One
Start by placing the elderberries (either fresh or dried), water, ginger slices, cinnamon stick, and cloves into a large pot.
Step Two
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes. This allows the berries to release their juices and for the flavors to blend together.
Step Three
After 45 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool down a bit. Once cool, mash the elderberries to extract even more juice. You can do this using a fork or potato masher.
Step Four
Strain the mixture into a bowl or jar through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the berries to get out as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
Step Five
While the liquid is still warm (but not hot), add the honey and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
Step Six
Once fully mixed, your elderberry syrup is done. Bottle it up and store in the fridge. The syrup can be taken daily for its immune-boosting properties. Enjoy!
