Uzvar (Dried Fruit Compote)

Name: Uzvar (Dried Fruit Compote)
Cuisine: Ukraine
Ingredients: Mixed dried fruit (apples, pears, prunes, apricots) — 300 g (2 cups); Water — 2 L (8 1/2 cups); Honey or sugar — 3 tbsp; Whole cloves — 3; Cinnamon stick — 1

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Ingredients

Mixed dried fruit (apples, pears, prunes, apricots) — 300 g (2 cups)
Water — 2 L (8 1/2 cups)
Honey or sugar — 3 tbsp
Whole cloves — 3
Cinnamon stick — 1

Method

Rinse the dried fruit well under cold water.
Place the fruit, cloves and cinnamon stick in a large saucepan and cover with the water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook, covered, for 20-25 minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir in the honey or sugar until dissolved.
Cover and leave to steep for at least 3 hours, or overnight, for the best flavour.
Strain if a clear drink is preferred, or serve with the softened fruit still in the liquid, chilled or at room temperature.

Introduction: Uzvar is a lightly sweet compote made from dried fruit, traditionally one of the twelve dishes served at the Christmas Eve Holy Supper (Sviata Vecheria).

Cultural Background: Uzvar is a lightly sweet compote made from dried fruit, traditionally one of the twelve dishes served at the Christmas Eve Holy Supper (Sviata Vecheria). Its gentle sweetness, unlike sugary Western drinks, has made it a beloved everyday refreshment as well as a holiday staple across Ukraine.

Tips: Steeping the compote for several hours, or overnight, greatly improves the depth of flavour. Use a good variety of dried fruits for a more complex, rounded taste.

Variations: Add a few whole dried rose hips for a traditional tartness. Serve warm in winter as a comforting alternative to tea. Naturally vegetarian as written. Naturally vegan as written when sweetened with sugar rather than honey; honey version is vegetarian but not strictly vegan.

Storage: Refrigerate in a covered jug for up to 5 days.

Reheating: Can be served warm; gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat for 5 minutes if desired.

FAQs:

Q: Is uzvar served hot or cold?

A: It can be enjoyed either way; it is often served chilled in warmer months and warm around the Christmas holidays.

Q: What is the significance of uzvar at Christmas?

A: It is traditionally one of twelve meat-free dishes served at the Ukrainian Christmas Eve Holy Supper, symbolising the twelve apostles.