When I was a kid, rhubarb season was usually a couple of months long. You didn't have to buy it at the market because half of your neighbors grew it in their yards.
I remember going to my great aunt's house where those crimson stalks stood at attention along the side of her house. I'd rip one right of the ground and bite into it like it was a carrot. I'd do it till my eyes watered, my lips went numb, and my belly turned sour. Ah, those were good days.
Since my belly isn't as steely as it used to be, I forego raw rhubarb for stewed, sweetened dishes like crumbles, crisps, and compotes. I have made many rhubarb compotes, but this one is special. The rhubarb is tempered by sugar and enhanced by freshly squeezed orange juice, aromatic ginger, and sweet blueberries.
Compotes are best served warm or at room temperature with a dollop of Greek yogurt, vanilla ice cream, mascarpone cheese, or ricotta cheese. If you've got leftovers, then swirl it in your oatmeal, spread it on toast, or just eat it by the spoonful.
Berry Rhubarb Compote
Makes 4-6 servings
1 pound rhubarb, sliced
1/3 cup sugar, or more depending on the tartness of the rhubarb
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons orange juice, preferably freshly squeezed
The zest of 1/2 medium orange
1 1/2 pints fresh strawberries, quartered or unthawed frozen berries
1/2 pint fresh blueberries or unthawed frozen berries
1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
1. Place rhubarb, sugar, water, and juice in a medium pot over high heat. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Add zest, berries, and ginger. Lower the heat and simmer for 4-5 minutes until the rhubarb is soft but still has some shape. Cool. Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of Greek yogurt, vanilla ice cream, mascarpone cheese, or ricotta cheese.
Susan Russo is a free lance food writer in San Diego, California. She publishes stories, recipes, and photos on her cooking blog, <Food Blogga and is a regular contributor to NPR’s <Kitchen Window. She is also the author of Recipes Every Man Should Know
