Ukrainian Cherry Sauce

Name: Ukrainian Cherry Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Ingredients: Sour cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen) — 400 g (14 oz); Sugar — 80 g (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp); Red wine — 60 ml (1/4 cup); Cinnamon stick — 1; Cornstarch — 10 g (1 tbsp); Water — 30 ml (2 tbsp)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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10 min

Prep

20 min

Cook

Ingredients

Sour cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen) — 400 g (14 oz)
Sugar — 80 g (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp)
Red wine — 60 ml (1/4 cup)
Cinnamon stick — 1
Cornstarch — 10 g (1 tbsp)
Water — 30 ml (2 tbsp)

Method

Combine cherries, sugar, red wine and cinnamon stick in a saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a simmer and cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries soften and release their juices.
Remove cinnamon stick.
Mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then stir into the simmering sauce.
Simmer 2-3 minutes more until glossy and thickened; adjust sugar to taste.

Cultural Background: A tart-sweet sauce made from sour cherries, a fruit deeply rooted in Ukrainian orchards and cuisine, this sauce is traditionally served with roasted duck, pork and savory dumplings (varenyky), balancing rich meats with bright fruit acidity.

Tips: • Sour cherries give the most authentic tart-sweet balance; sweet cherries will need less added sugar and a touch more acidity from lemon juice. • Removing the cinnamon stick before serving prevents an overly strong spice flavour developing as it sits.

Variations: • Add a splash of brandy for extra depth. • Use frozen cherries year-round when fresh ones are out of season.

Storage: Refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze up to 3 months.

Reheating: Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. Nutrition (per serving) Approx. 50 kcal, 0.3 g protein, 0 g fat, 12 g carbohydrate per 30 ml serving. FAQs What is this sauce traditionally served with? Roasted duck and pork, and savoury varenyky (Ukrainian dumplings). Can I use sweet cherries instead of sour? Yes, but reduce the added sugar and add a squeeze of lemon juice to restore the necessary tartness.

FAQs: What is this sauce traditionally served with? Roasted duck and pork, and savoury varenyky (Ukrainian dumplings). Can I use sweet cherries instead of sour? Yes, but reduce the added sugar and add a squeeze of lemon juice to restore the necessary tartness.