Blueberry Compote (Healthy + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (2024)

FAQs

How do you thicken berry compote without cornstarch? ›

Sugar. I don't add too much sugar, a quarter of a cup is enough for this amount of berries. Sugar helps the compote to thicken and acts as a preservative, so the recipe can last longer in the fridge.

You can thicken up your berry compote by simmering it for longer to reduce it further. Alternatively, add a little cornstarch to the mixture. To do this, create a cornstarch slurry with cornstarch and water before adding it to the berry sauce in the pan. Stir constantly while the sauce thickens.

Mixing a little coriander in with your blueberry desserts or pancakes will make the blueberries taste more, well, blueberry-y. And there's a scientific reason why.

Thickening fruit juice is helpful if you're making delicious foods like pies or tarts, as well as canned fruit juices or fruit sauces. Cornstarch is a popular thickener because it creates a shiny filling without clouding the colors of the fruit juice.

Sugar – This recipe uses a little granulated sugar in it, but feel free to adjust the sugar to suit your taste. Cornstarch – Just a little bit of cornstarch to thicken the compote.

Combine fruit, sugar, and honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Optional: Add cornstarch mixture to saucepan. Continue to boil until the berries break down and the compote has thickened to desired consistency, or about 2 to 3 minutes.

There are two ways to thicken the compote – lemon peel contains pectin, which is a natural thickener. Alternatively, you can use a cornstarch slurry if a fresh lemon isn't available. Warning though – use just a small amount of thickener – we're not making jam!

To use flour as a thickening agent: Use two tablespoons flour mixed with ¼ cup cold water for each cup of medium-thick sauce. Thoroughly mix in the water to prevent lumps. After stirring the combined flour and water into the sauce, cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.

Lemon can enhance the flavor of blueberries by adding a touch of acidity that brings out their natural sweetness. Both lemon and blueberry are versatile flavors that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sweet to savory.

What spices enhance blueberries? ›

Don't forget about spices and herbs. Blueberries pair well with basil, cinnamon, ginger, lavender, lemon, thyme, nutmeg, rosemary, mint, and many more!

Blueberry Baking Chemistry

Blueberries turn greenish-blue in a batter that has too much baking soda (or grey in a smoothie with a lot of dairy), which creates an alkaline environment. That's why mixing a little lemon juice into your batter or smoothie will give you a more vibrant color.

The glycemic index measures how quickly a certain food will cause blood sugar to rise, ranking foods on a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 being the foods that will cause a rapid blood sugar spike. Since blueberries have a score of 53, they are considered a low-GI food.

Serve this frozen berry compote warm or chilled over pancakes, ice cream, yogurt, toast, waffles, oatmeal... endless possibilities and sure to please any palate.

Yes, dogs can eat blueberries. Blueberries are a superfood rich in antioxidants, which prevent cell damage in humans and canines alike. They're packed with fiber and phytochemicals as well. Teaching your dog to catch treats in the air?

There are two ways to thicken the compote – lemon peel contains pectin, which is a natural thickener. Alternatively, you can use a cornstarch slurry if a fresh lemon isn't available. Warning though – use just a small amount of thickener – we're not making jam!

All-purpose flour is an easy solution, as you're sure to have it in your pantry. Since it's lower in starch, you'll use more of it than you would higher-starch thickeners. Quick-cooking tapioca makes filling bright and clear, but also gives it a stippled and somewhat sticky texture.

For a thicker sauce:

Let it boil a minute or two if it's too watery. Take into account that it will thicken as it cools. Alternatively, you can add some store-bought blueberry sauce to it when you remove it from the stove.