Sour Cherry Compote

Cherry compote - a perfect delicacy for autumn and winter days

Who doesn't love the vibrant taste and delicious aromas of cherries? This cherry compote is not just a simple recipe, but also an excellent way to preserve the essence of summer for the colder days. This recipe will bring a smile to your face every time you open a jar full of delicious cherries, ready to be savored. Whether you choose to use it as a dessert, add it to cakes, or serve it with yogurt, this compote is versatile and full of flavor.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Sterilization time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 jars of 400 ml

Ingredients:

For winter cherry compote:
- 3 kg fresh cherries
- 3 l water
- 2 kg sugar

For immediate serving cherry compote:
- 1 kg fresh cherries
- 300 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 glass of water

Step 1: Preparing the cherries
Start by washing the cherries under cold running water to remove any impurities. Then, remove the stems and, if desired, you can also remove the pits, although many prefer to leave them in to preserve the natural flavor. This step is very important, as clean and fresh cherries will make a difference in the final taste of the compote.

Step 2: Preparing the jars
Make sure the jars are well washed and sterilized. You can do this either by boiling them in hot water or using an oven. This step is essential to prevent bacteria formation and keep the compote fresh for a long time.

Step 3: Preparing the syrup
For the winter cherry compote, in a large pot, add 3 liters of water and 2 kg of sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Once the syrup starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Filling the jars
Place the cherries in the sterilized jars without pressing them too much. It is important that the compote has enough space between the fruits to allow the syrup to penetrate. After filling the jars with cherries, pour the warm syrup over them, leaving a small space at the top. Make sure the syrup covers all the cherries.

Step 5: Sterilizing the jars
Close the jars with their respective lids and place them in a large pot of water. Ensure that the water completely covers the jars. Sterilize them for 20 minutes. This step will help preserve the compote and extend its shelf life.

Step 6: Cooling the compote
After sterilization, remove the jars from the water and let them cool completely on a towel or tray. Check if the lids are sealed; if they don't pop up when pressed, you have sealed them correctly.

Step 7: Immediate serving cherry compote
For an immediately ready-to-serve cherry compote, repeat steps 1 and 2 for 1 kg of cherries. In a pot, add the washed cherries along with 300 g of sugar, 1 packet of vanilla sugar, and 1 glass of water. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cherries become soft but do not turn into puree. Serve this compote warm or cold, alongside yogurt or ice cream.

Useful tips:
- Choose fresh, ripe cherries, but not overly soft. These will give a better taste to the compote and will hold up better during sterilization.
- If you prefer a less sweet compote, you can reduce the amount of sugar.
- Experiment with spices like cinnamon or cloves to add a fragrant note to the compote.
- This compote can be served alongside pancakes, cakes, or even as a filling for pies.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Cherry compote is a good source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. A serving of 100 g of cherry compote contains approximately 60-80 calories, depending on the amount of sugar used. This quick and natural dessert can be a healthy option for a snack or dessert.

Frequently asked questions:
1. How long can cherry compote be stored?
Once properly sterilized, the compote can be stored in the pantry for up to 1 year. After opening the jars, keep them in the refrigerator and consume within 7-10 days.

2. Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?
Absolutely! You can adapt the recipe using cherries, peaches, or plums, each offering a unique taste to the compote.

This cherry compote recipe is not just an excellent preservation method, but also an opportunity to bring a touch of summer into the cold days. When you open a jar of compote, you will remember the summer sun and the enticing aroma of cherries. Enjoy every bite and savor the simple delights you can create in your own kitchen!