Description
This easy strawberry compote recipe is a delightful way to elevate your desserts, breakfasts, or snacks with a sweet and tangy fruit topping. Made with fresh or frozen strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of water, this compote is cooked on the stovetop to bring out the natural flavors and create a luscious, slightly chunky texture. Perfect for drizzling over pancakes, yogurt, ice cream, or toast, this versatile compote will add a fresh burst of summer sweetness to every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberry Compote
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Mixture: Allow the mixture to cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This process helps the strawberries break down and release their natural juices, creating a syrupy consistency.
- Mash Strawberries: Using a wooden spoon or potato masher, mash some of the strawberries to achieve a chunkier texture if desired. This balances texture with syrup.
- Add Lemon Zest: Stir in the lemon zest for additional brightness and cook the compote for another 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the compote cool slightly. Serve warm or transfer to a container to store and use later.
Notes
- You can adjust the sugar amount depending on the sweetness of your strawberries or personal preference.
- Using frozen strawberries works well; just thaw them slightly before cooking.
- The compote keeps well refrigerated for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
- Serve it warm over pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or ice cream, or use it as a spread on toast.
- For a smoother compote, cook longer and mash more thoroughly.
