Kompot – Apple

Kompot translates as compote but in Poland the word has a slightly different meaning than in the French.

Rather than a dish of stewed fruit it is a refreshing drink made with fruit.

Any seasonal fruit may be used such as:

• raspberries, strawberries, wild berries
• gooseberries, rhubarb
• apples, cherries, plums
• dried fruits can also be used.
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• Spices such as cinnamon or cloves can be added.
• Depending on the time of year kompot can be served hot or cold.
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• The usual proportion of fruit to water is –
  1 kilo of fruit : 2litres of water.
• A little sugar may be added depending on the sweetness of the fruit.
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• I was busy this summer making fruit soups and did not make any kompot.
• I have lots of Bramley apples from the garden so decided to use them.
• I had forgotten how refreshing this drink can be.
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• I will do other fruit versions next summer and also a dried fruit version later.
• In summer you can use eating apples – very little sugar or no added sugar will be necessary.

Ingredients

• 750g of Bramley apples (or other cooking apples)
• 1½ litres of water
• 1 small stick of cinnamon
• 2-3 tablespoons of granulated sugar

Method

• Put the water into a large saucepan.
• Add a small stick of cinnamon.
• Peel and core the apples.
• Cut the apples into 6 – 8 segments.
• Add the apples to the pan.
• Bring to boil and then simmer for around 5 minutes.
• You do not want the apple to disintegrate.
• Leave to cool slightly.
• Add sugar spoonful by spoonful and check – you do not want too much.
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• Served here cold but can also be served warm.

Note

Leave the chunks of fruit at the bottom of the glass or you can eat them with a fork!