Spiced Prune Compote Recipe

Let me tell you, this spiced prune compote is like wrapping yourself in a warm, aromatic hug—perfect for those cozy evenings when you just want to treat yourself to something magical and a little different.

Creating recipes that are both nutritious and delicious is my passion, and few of my concoctions are as healthful—and as tasty—as my Spiced Prune Compote. With its vibrant colors and intriguing interplay of flavors, this dish is the perfect combination of comforting sweetness and undeniable sass.

(Yes, I said “sass.” This dish has it.) It must be the orange juice that brings out the sass. Prunes are not the only ingredient in this dish that are chock-full of nutrients.

Spiced Prune Compote Recipe Ingredients

• Pitted Prunes: Rich in fiber, help digestion, natural sweetness.
• Orange Juice: Provides vitamin C, adds a fruity tartness.
• Honey: Natural sweetener, contains antioxidants.
• Cinnamon Stick: Adds warmth and spice, supports blood sugar control.
• Cloves: Aromatic spice, rich in antioxidants, adds depth of flavor.

Spiced Prune Compote Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound pitted prunes
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 star anise
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon

How to Make this Spiced Prune Compote Recipe

1. In a medium saucepan, mix together the water, orange juice, and honey. Stir until the honey is dissolved, and then add the cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg.

2. Warm the mixture over medium heat until it begins to bubble gently. This allows the spices to infuse their flavors into the liquid. Hold it at a gentle boil for about 5 minutes before taking it off the heat.

3. Put the pitted prunes into the saucepan, mixing them with the liquid that’s flavored with spices.

4. Lower the heat to low, and let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the prunes have softened and plumped up and the liquid has reduced a bit.

5. Combine the vanilla extract and lemon zest, and allow the flavors to meld together for another 5 minutes. Simmer them together in the same pot.

6. Take the compote off the heat and allow it to cool a bit. Take out the cinnamon stick, the cloves, and the star anise.

7. Put the compote into your desired serving or storage dish. Be sure to pour the spiced syrup over all the prunes; they like to be covered!

8. Serve the compote warm or let it cool thoroughly before storing in the fridge.

9. To achieve the best flavor, let the compote sit in the refrigerator overnight before serving. This allows the flavors to fully develop.

10. Savor the spiced prune compote by itself or use it to grace any of the following:

• yogurt
• pancakes
• ice cream.

Spiced Prune Compote Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan
2. Wooden spoon or a heat-resistant spatula
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Zester or microplane
6. Serving or storage dish

FAQ

• What is a compote?A dish made by cooking fruit in syrup is called a compote. To make a compote, a cook usually takes a mixture of fruit and adds some kind of syrup and flavor. The dish is often used as a dessert but can also be eaten at any time. Compote can be eaten hot or cold. It is also great on top of pancakes, ice cream, or anything else that could use a topping.
• Can I use dried prunes instead of fresh ones?Indeed, this recipe calls for pitted dried prunes, which are ideal because they absorb the delicious liquid while cooking.
• How should the compote be stored?Keep cooled compote in airtight container in refrigerated compartment of refrigerator. Will keep up to 5 days.
• Is there a substitute for honey?Indeed, substitutes for honey in the form of maple syrup or agave nectar can be employed, albeit with slight variations in taste.
• Do I have to use whole spices?You can use ground spices if necessary, but whole spices like cinnamon sticks and star anise add a much deeper, richer flavor. If using ground spices, start with much smaller amounts than you would use with whole spices. Otherwise, you risk adding an intensity that clashes with the dish’s other flavors.
• Can I add other fruits to the compote?Indeed, prunes go particularly well with dried apricots and figs, but the sweetness and cooking time of these three ingredients may need adjusting.
• How is this compote typically served?This prune compote, as in “stewed prunes,” is a good and tasty source of fiber. Prunes are beneficial for your digestion in many ways. They are high in soluble fiber, which is good for bulking up stool, and they also have some compounds that act like probiotics, which are good for the microflora in your gut.

  Serve the compote in a bowl with a dollop of yogurt, or spoon it over some oatmeal. Drizzle it onto breakfast pancakes. It is equally good topping a slice of cheesecake.

Spiced Prune Compote Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used in place of honey.
Apple juice: Substitute with orange juice or pineapple juice for a different fruity flavor.
Cinnamon: Use 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in place of a stick.
Cloves in whole form: Replace with 1/4 teaspoon of clove powder.
Star anise: Use a very small amount of anise seeds or substitute 1/4 teaspoon of anise extract for star anise.

Thyme: Use 1/2 teaspoon of crushed dried mint as a substitute.

Tumeric: Use 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder, which contains turmeric, as a substitute.

Poultry seasoning: Use 1/2 teaspoon dried sage and 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme as a substitute.

Pro Tips

1. Use Fresh Spices For the best flavor, use fresh whole spices if possible. Whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise will impart more vibrant flavors than ground or aged spices.

2. Adjust Sweetness Taste the compote after simmering and adjust the sweetness if desired. You can add a bit more honey or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.

3. Add a Splash of Liquor For a more complex flavor, consider adding a splash of brandy or rum after removing the compote from heat. This will enhance the depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.

4. Alternative Citrus Elements If you want to experiment with flavors, try using lime or grapefruit zest instead of lemon zest for a different citrus profile.

5. Strain and Store the Syrup After removing the spices, strain and keep any leftover syrup separately. This can be drizzled over desserts or used to sweeten beverages, adding an extra layer of flavor.