| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 164 | 0.3g | 0g | 42g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 39g | 2g | 1g | 0.04g |
Every so often, while teaching my third-grade students in Texas, I find myself daydreaming about the flavors of my childhood. One recipe that vividly brings back those memories is the sweet and tangy, yet subtly spiced Damson Plum Sauce. A delightful blend of ripe, sweet damsons with a hint of spices, this sauce is a true flavor bomb that compliments a variety of dishes.
A Nod to My Southern Roots
Growing up in Texas, my Southern roots exposed me to an array of robust Tex-Mex flavors that have significantly influenced my cooking. This Damson Plum Sauce is a classic expression of that fusion, combining the fruit’s natural sweetness with a hint of spice. The addition of cinnamon and nutmeg brings a comforting warmth, similar to Southern desserts like old-school apple pie, making it a versatile condiment that is as delightful on sweet treats as it is on savory dishes. Whenever I make this sauce, I am reminded of the Southern hospitality that characterizes my home state.
Health Benefits of Damson Plums
Aside from the titillating taste, what I love about this recipe is the wholesomeness that damson plums bring. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, damson plums have stellar health-boosting properties. Additionally, the use of lemon juice (a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C) enhances the immune-boosting profile of this sauce, while also adding a fresh tartness that balances the sweetness of the sugar.
Ideal Pairings for This Sauce
Because of its fruity and aromatic profile, Damson Plum Sauce pairs beautifully with many recipes. From drizzling it over a plain cheesecake, to using it as a glaze for roast pork or turkey, its potential pairings are numerous. It even works wonderfully as an alternative to cranberry sauce for your Thanksgiving meal or as an accompaniment to a cheese platter. But for me, nothing beats using it as a topping for my favorite dessert – a classic Southern buttermilk pancake. The tanginess of the buttermilk pancake paired with the sweet and tart sauce hits all the right flavor notes.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs Damson plums
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Method
Step One
First, thoroughly wash the damson plums and remove the stones. Then, chop the plums into small chunks.
Step Two
In a large saucepan, combine the damson plums, granulated sugar, and water. Then, place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat.
Step Three
As the mixture heats, stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved. Once the sugar is dissolved, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step Four
When the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 20 minutes, or until the plums are soft and the mixture has slightly thickened.
Step Five
Once the mixture has thickened, add the lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir the mixture to fully combine the ingredients and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Step Six
After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the plum sauce to cool before pouring it into jars or containers for storage. Ensure the sauce is completely cool before sealing the lids.
Step Seven
The damson plum sauce is now ready to be served! You can use this sauce as a topping for desserts, as a glaze for meats, or even as a tangy spread for bread and crackers.
