| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 175 | 0g | 0g | 46g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 40g | 5g | 1g | 0g |
I’ve been cooking and tasting all sorts of dishes as a food blogger, and I can truly say that few things stir my culinary senses quite like the Spiced Medlar Compote. It’s a beautiful harmony of flavors inspired by both my Creole roots and French heritage, made uniquely delightful by its main ingredient – the medlar fruit.
A Twist on Traditional Fruit Compote
This recipe is similar to a traditional fruit compote, where fruits are slow-cooked in sugar syrup, often infused with a variety of aromatic spices. The Spiced Medlar Compote takes this classic concept a step further by spotlighting the medlar, an often forgotten, yet wonderfully luscious fruit, with a flavor profile that brilliantly bridges the gap between apples and dates.
Creating a Symphony of Flavors
The blend of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and star anise provides a warm and intoxicating aromatic profile. The natural sugars from the medlar fruits add a perfect touch of sweetness, further deepened by the zest and juice of fresh lemons and oranges. This sweet and tangy combination is a frequently savored duet in both Creole and French cuisines, which hand in hand, create an enticingly comforting dish.
The Spiced Medlar Compote is wonderful on its own, but to add a touch more excitement to your culinary repertoire, you can serve it as a topping for a variety of desserts such as pancakes, waffles, and my personal favorite, crème fraîche panna cotta.
Health Benefits of Medlar
Beyond its unique taste and texture, the medlar boasts a wide range of health benefits. Known for its high fiber and vitamin content, Medlars can aid in digestive health, improve heart health and boost the immune system. So in addition to indulging your tastebud, this Spiced Medlar Compote is also nourishing your body. To learn more about the impressive health benefits of Medlar, you can refer to this informative article at Organic Facts.
When you scoop into your compote dish, remember you’re not just enjoying a treat, but also reaping benefits for your health. Here’s hoping this recipe brings an unexpected delight to your table as it has to mine. Bon appétit!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of medlars, bletted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1.5 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
Method
Step One
First, prepare your ingredients. You will need to blet your medlars ahead of time by letting them ripen until they are soft and brown. This can take a few weeks, so be sure to plan in advance. Once your medlars are bletted, cut them in half and remove the seeds.
Step Two
In a large pot, add the prepared medlars, granulated sugar, and water. Stir to combine. Place the pot on the stovetop and turn the heat to medium-high.
Step Three
While the medlar mixture is heating, add the cinnamon stick, whole cloves, star anise, ground nutmeg, and allspice. Stir to distribute the spices throughout the mixture.
Step Four
Once the mixture has come to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. You’ll want to keep an eye on the compote, stirring occasionally, for about an hour. The medlars should become soft and the liquid should reduce, creating a syrupy consistency.
Step Five
After an hour, remove the pot from the heat. Zest and juice the lemon and orange, then stir their zest and juice into the compote. This will add a brightness and depth of flavor that pairs well with the warm spices and sweet medlars.
Step Six
Let the compote cool before transferring it to airtight containers. The compote can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or it can be canned for longer storage. Enjoy your Spiced Medlar Compote as a dessert topping, on toast, or as a sweet component in a savory dish. It’s a wonderfully versatile preserve that showcases the unique flavor of the medlar.
