| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
For a true culinary enthusiast, there’s nothing quite as delightful as developing and sharing recipes that capture the essence of home, the true sweet taste of comfort. Today, dear readers, I proudly present a delightful, flavorful addition to your recipe collection—my Jostaberry Sauce. It’s an inspiration from my years growing up in Nebraska, where fruit-based condiments, like flavourful berry jams and savory fruit sauces, took a commonplace yet truly special area in our family kitchen.
A Walk Down Sensation Lane with Jostaberry Sauce
The Jostaberry Sauce has been developed with a modern take on traditional Midwestern cooking. Jostaberries, a cross between a blackcurrant and gooseberry, bring a unique blend of tart and sweet, making them an excellent choice for a wholesome sauce. When the jostaberries are simmered with granulated sugar, punctuated with the right amounts of lemon juice, and kissed with a hint of vanilla, they transform into an enchanting sauce that is versatile and full of flavor.
The sauce closely resembles in taste to redcurrant or blueberry sauce, but with an exclusive twist – it’s more nuanced and complex. It’s also similar to blackcurrant jam, yet it’s less sweet, more balanced. The sauce pairs wonderfully well with a wide array of dishes. Consider it as a delightful side with a well-grilled steak or as a topping on warm, fluffy pancakes. It can also bring a vibrant twist to your usual desserts when served as a fruity contrast to a rich, creamy cheesecake.
The Wholesome Core of the Sauce
Like my Midwestern upbringing and good home-cooked food, the value for health and wellness runs deep in this recipe. Jostaberries are a powerhouse of antioxidants, and they are rich in Vitamins A and C, boosting the immune system and contributing to eye health.
Furthermore, this homemade sauce allows you to control the degree of sweetness, reducing the added sugar when compared to many store-bought sauces. The use of lemon juice not only elevates the flavor but also assists in the absorption of the fruit’s iron content. Conversely, cornstarch not only serves as a thickener but also provides a minimal yet valuable dab of protein and fiber to the sauce. Ultimately, this Jostaberry Sauce recipe promises a balance of great flavor and health – precisely the kind of recipes we’re dedicated to bringing you.
Inspired? Try making this Jostaberry Sauce here and enjoy the ride of flavors it offers. Stay tuned for more such exploration into the culinary landscape of my childhood and beyond!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups fresh jostaberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
Method
Step One
Start by picking over the jostaberries and remove any stems or leaves. Wash them thoroughly under cold water.
Step Two
In a medium saucepan, combine the jostaberries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
Step Three
Turn the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for approximately 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning at the bottom of the pan.
Step Four
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and cold water. Stir until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and no lumps remain.
Step Five
Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan with the simmering jostaberries. Stir well to combine. Continue to cook the sauce until it thickens, for about 2-3 minutes.
Step Six
Once the sauce is thickened to your liking, remove the pan from the heat. Let the jostaberry sauce cool before using it. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Enjoy!
