Plum Compote in Wine Syrup

This delightful recipe combines the rich flavors of plums with a dry red wine syrup, creating a delicious and aromatic treat. Plums are first halved and pitted, ensuring they absorb the syrup perfectly. As the plums soak in the syrup, spices like cinnamon and star anise infuse the entire dish with warm, spicy notes. This compote is ideal for preserving the freshness and sweetness of plums, making it a perfect treat all year round. The combination of the sweet brown sugar with the tartness of red wine creates a balanced and complex flavor profile. The use of dry red wine offers a sophisticated touch, elevating the compote to a gourmet level. This compote can be served as a dessert, breakfast topping, or even as an accompaniment to savory dishes. It's perfect for those who appreciate the fusion of fruit and spice. The process of preparing the compote is straightforward yet rewarding, letting each ingredient shine. Whether you’re preparing it for immediate enjoyment or for preservation, this plum compote will surely impress.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 kg plums
• 1 liter dry red wine
• 400 g brown sugar

Spices

• 2 small pieces of broken cinnamon stick
• 2-3 halved star anise

Preparation Time

Total Time: 100 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the plums: Rinse the plums under cold water, then cut them in half and remove the pits. Set aside.
2. Make the syrup: In a large pot, combine the dry red wine and brown sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved completely. Bring it to a gentle boil and then remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare the jars: Sterilize your jars by washing them in hot soapy water, rinsing, and then placing them in a hot (100°C/212°F) oven for 10 minutes. This helps to prevent any contamination.
4. Plum placement: Carefully place the halved plums into the sterilized jars, positioning them snugly together.
5. Add the spices: Distribute the pieces of cinnamon stick and star anise evenly among the jars, tucking them between the plum halves.
6. Fill with syrup: Pour the cooled wine syrup over the plums in the jars, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top to allow for expansion during the sealing process.
7. Seal and pasteurize: Cap the jars with lids and place them in a large pot of water, ensuring the jars are covered by at least 2 inches of water. Heat the water to 90°C (194°F) and pasteurize for 30 minutes.
8. Cool down: Carefully remove the jars using tongs or a jar lifter and place them on a towel to cool.
9. Store or serve: Once cooled, store the jars in a cool, dark place for future indulgence or serve immediately.
10. Serving suggestions: Enjoy the compote with desserts, pancakes, or as a flavorful addition to roasted meats.

Tips

• Substitute wine: For a non-alcoholic version, substitute red wine with grape juice.
• Spice it up: Add a few cloves or a vanilla pod for a unique flavor twist.
• Check seals: Ensure jars are properly sealed to prevent spoilage.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 220 per serving
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 1g
• Fats: 0.2g

Variations

• Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Use other fruits like figs or cherries for an alternative compote.

Serving Suggestions

• Dessert: Perfect with ice cream or pound cake.
• Breakfast: Top your oatmeal or yogurt with this compote.
• Side Dish: Serve alongside cheese or roasted meats for a gourmet touch.

Best Places

1. The Plum Room - Known for its elegant settings and delicious fruit-based desserts.
   Location: 123 Orchard Lane, New York City, USA.

2. Vino and Vibe - A trendy spot offering unique dishes infused with wine.
   Location: 456 Vine Street, San Francisco, USA.

3. Café des Fruits - Specializes in seasonal fruit dishes and aromatic spices.
   Location: 789 Rue de la Fleur, Paris, France.

4. Berries & Spice Bistro - Cozy bistro with an emphasis on fruit and spice combinations.
   Location: 321 Berry Avenue, London, UK.

5. Vinoteca - Offers an extensive wine list and fruit compotes.
   Location: Avenida de la Uva, Barcelona, Spain.

6. Fruit Feastery - Celebrated for its creative fruit dishes and welcoming atmosphere.
   Location: 654 Fruit Blvd, Los Angeles, USA.

7. The Cinnamon Spoon - Combines traditional techniques with modern flavors.
   Location: 987 Cinnamon Road, Sydney, Australia.

8. Spice Symphony - Exquisite dishes laced with aromatic spices.
   Location: 333 Harmony Lane, Toronto, Canada.

9. Gourmet Orchard - Highlights the best of local produce with international flair.
   Location: 222 Orchard St, Wellington, New Zealand.

10. Fruit & Barrel - Fusion of fresh produce with rich wines.
    Location: 111 Barrel Row, Cape Town, South Africa.