Plum compote

Plum Compote – A Sweet Indulgence from the Garden

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4 jars of 800 ml

Regardless of the season, a plum compote is an excellent choice to savor the taste of summer and preserve the flavor of fresh fruits for the cold months. This simple plum compote recipe is not only quick but also yields a delicious result, perfect for serving as a dessert or accompanying various dishes. Let’s get started!

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg of beautiful, fresh plums (choose quality plums such as 'Stanley' or 'Claudia')
- 250 g sugar (you can adjust the quantity according to your preferences)
- 800 ml water
- A pinch of cinnamon (for a warm and comforting aroma)
- A few cloves (optional, for an exotic note)
- Juice of one lemon (acts as a preservative and adds a pleasant acidity)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the Plums
Wash the plums under a stream of cold water, remove the stems, and if desired, cut them in half for a rustic look in the jar. Whole plums also work well, providing an elegant appearance.

2. Preparing the Syrup
In a large pot, combine water, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Place the pot over low heat and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the lemon juice, which will add a special flavor and help preserve the compote.

3. Cooking the Plums
Once the syrup reaches a boiling point, add the plums. Let them boil for about a minute, allowing them to soften slightly and absorb the syrup's flavors.

4. Preparing the Jars
While the plums are boiling, prepare the jars. Wash them thoroughly with detergent and rinse them under running water. Then, for effective sterilization, you can boil the jars in water. Place them upside down on a rack (for example, cleaned knives) to drain.

5. Filling the Jars
After a minute, remove the plums from the syrup with a slotted spoon and arrange them nicely in the jars, leaving about two fingers of space at the top. Pour the warm syrup over the plums, making sure to fill the jars to the brim.

6. Sealing the Jars
Close the jars with the lids and tighten them well.

7. Sterilizing the Compote
In a large pot, place newspapers at the bottom to protect the jars from direct contact with the bottom of the pot. Fill the pot with warm water so that it reaches the neck of the jars, just below the lid. Cover the pot and sterilize over low heat for one hour, calculating the boiling time from when the water starts to boil.

8. Cooling and Storing
After sterilization, remove the jars from the water and place them on a blanket to cool gradually. Leave them like this until the next day, when they will seal perfectly. Then, store them in the pantry.

Serving suggestions: Plum compote is delicious served plain or as a filling for pies. You can add a spoonful of sour cream or vanilla ice cream for a truly special culinary experience.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different spices, such as vanilla or star anise, to give the compote a personal touch. You can also replace some plums with peaches or apricots to create a fruit mix.

This plum compote recipe is not only a wonderful way to preserve seasonal fruits but also a true delight for taste and aroma. Prepare it and enjoy the memories of summer all year round!