Cherry Compote with Cardamom

Cherry compote with cardamom is a delightful and aromatic dessert that marries the sweet and tart flavors of cherries with the warm, spicy notes of cardamom. The dish is perfect for those who cherish fruity desserts with a hint of spice. This compote can be enjoyed on its own, or as a topping for desserts like ice cream, yogurt, or pancakes. It's relatively easy to make and requires just a few ingredients, making it an excellent choice for those new to cooking or looking for a quick sweet treat. The addition of cardamom adds a sophisticated twist to the traditional cherry compote, elevating its flavor profile. The preparation involves simmering the cherries in a sugary syrup, which preserves the fruit and enhances its natural sweetness. As the cherries cook, they release their juices, creating a rich, flavorful syrup. The cardamom infuses this syrup with a distinctive fragrance that lingers on the palate. This compote will keep well in an airtight jar, allowing you to savor a taste of summer fruit throughout the year. Lastly, it's a versatile dessert that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 kg cherries (pitted)
• 2-3 tablespoons cardamom pods

Syrup

• 1 liter water
• 400-500 g sugar

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 120 minutes (including preparation and cooking time).

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Cherries: Start by washing the cherries thoroughly under cold water and drying them with a clean kitchen towel. Use a cherry pitter to remove the pits. If you don't have a pitter, carefully cut around the pit using a paring knife.

2. Cardamom Preparation: Lightly crush the cardamom pods using the back of a spoon. This will help release their aromatic oils.

3. Fill the Jars: Place the pitted cherries and crushed cardamom pods into clean, sterilized jars. Fill the jars, leaving about an inch of space at the top.

4. Prepare the Syrup: In a large saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. Allow the syrup to come to a gentle boil and then remove from heat.

5. Pour the Syrup: Carefully pour the hot sugar syrup over the cherries and cardamom in the jars, filling them just below the rim. Ensure the cherries are fully submerged in the liquid.

6. Seal the Jars: Place the lids on the jars, ensuring they are tightly secured. For best results, use a canning jar sealer.

7. Heat Processing: Submerge the jars in a large pot of boiling water, ensuring the water covers the jars by at least an inch. Heat them for 30 minutes at a steady boil, maintaining a temperature of about 90 degrees Celsius. This process helps preserve the compote.

8. Invert the Jars: Carefully remove the jars from the pot using jar tongs and place them on a towel. Invert the jars upside down and let them cool completely. This helps ensure an airtight seal.

9. Check the Seal: Once the jars have cooled, check the lids to ensure they have sealed properly. If the lid doesn't have a tight seal, store the jar in the refrigerator and consume it within a week. If sealed properly, the compote can be stored in a cool, dark place for several months.

10. Serve the Compote: Serve the cherry compote warm or cold. It makes an excellent topping for ice cream, pancakes, or even as a spread on toast. The rich syrupy flavor with the hint of cardamom is sure to elevate any dessert.

Tips

• Substitutions: If you don't have cardamom pods, you can use ground cardamom, but remember that a little goes a long way.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar based on your taste preference or the sweetness of the cherries.
• Preservation: To enhance preservation, make sure the jars are properly sterilized before filling them.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 200 kcal per serving
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fats: 0 g

Variations

• Sugar Alternatives: Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a different flavor profile.
• Spice Additions: Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves for a spicier variation.

Serving Suggestions

• With Vanilla Ice Cream: A perfect pairing that elevates both the compote and the ice cream.
• Breakfast Topping: Use as a delightful topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.

Best Places

• Bar Sule (bold) - Known for its unique cocktails, including fruit-infused options. Location: Manesova 38, Prague, Czech Republic.
• Angelina - A historic tea house offering exquisite desserts. Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
• Bacchanal - A music and wine cafe offering an eclectic vibe. Location: 600 Poland Ave, New Orleans, USA.
• Patisserie Sadaharu Aoki - Combines traditional French techniques with Japanese flavors. Location: 35 Rue de Vaugirard, Paris, France.
• Caketail Club - Offers a creative combination of cocktails and desserts. Location: 45 Sloane Street, London, UK.
• Konditori La Glace - The oldest confectionery shop in Denmark, serving exquisite pastries. Location: Skoubogade 3, Copenhagen, Denmark.
• Antico Caffe Greco - One of the oldest cafes in Rome, offering classic Italian desserts. Location: Via dei Condotti, Rome, Italy.
• Cafe Central - Known for its rich history and famous pastries. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Pierre Hermé - Offers a refined selection of pastries and desserts. Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.
• Demel - A storied pasticceria with lavish decor. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.