| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 250 | 0g | 0g | 67g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 48g | 7g | 2g | 0.01g |
I find a special kind of joy in sharing this easy, hearty recipe: Stewed Prunes. Taking me back to the nostalgia of my childhood in New Jersey, this recipe reflects my deep Italian-American roots and the timeless culinary wisdom inherited from my grandparents. Just as they taught me, the beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity.
Familial Bonds and Hearty Traditions
This flavorful dish echoes the kitchen stories my grandparents shared, where food was always prepared with an abundance of love. The stewed prunes were frequently served as a dessert during family gatherings, imprinting unique taste experiences in our shared memories. In every bite, you could taste the subtly sweet, zesty twist of orange zest, the punchy hint of cinnamon, and the comforting finish of vanilla extract. And, as is typical of wholesome, rustic Italian-American cuisine, an overarching sense of the shared culinary heritage permeates.
The Promise of Good Health
But this Stewed Prunes recipe is not only about old family traditions and soulful indulgence; it’s also packed with health benefits. Prunes, the main component, are renowned for their high fiber content and have a long-established reputation for aiding digestion. They are also a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins that contribute to overall wellness. As for cinnamon, research suggests it can lower blood sugar levels and reduce heart disease risk. Natural lemon juice packed with vitamin C completes this healthy dessert, making it a powerhouse of nutritional goodness that aligns with my active, hiking-loving lifestyle.
Potential Pairings
As for pairings, stewed prunes can be a versatile accompaniment to various dishes. With their concentrated, richly sweet flavor, they can be served alongside hearty porridges or roasted meats, subtly complementing the savory components. In addition, stewed prunes can be a fabulous finishing touch when served over plain Greek yogurt, creating a satisfyingly creamy, tangy contrast. Their similarity to stewed apricots or even figs, allow the prunes to act as a wonderful substitute in recipes calling for those other stewed fruits.
No matter your culinary experience or background, creating a batch of these delectable stewed prunes offers something enjoyable to all senses. It delivers a burst of flavors, nourishes the body, and most importantly, rejuvenates the soul with a captivating tale of love, tradition, and familial bonds.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups prunes
- 3 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
Method
Step One
Firstly, take a large saucepan and pour in the 3 cups of water along with the 2 cups of prunes. Add the cinnamon stick into the pan.
Step Two
Place your saucepan over medium heat. Allow the mixture to reach a simmer.
Step Three
Once your mixture is simmering, lower the heat and let it continue to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the prunes have softened completely.
Step Four
After your prunes are adequately softened, stir in the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Then, add the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Step Five
Next, integrate the zest of one orange and the tablespoon of lemon juice into the mixture. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step Six
Let the mixture cool down at room temperature. Once cooled, you may opt to remove the cinnamon stick.
Step Seven
Place your stewed prunes in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least an hour before serving. Enjoy!
