Firstly, it’s essential to discuss the flavors of rhubarb. Tart and a touch sour, rhubarb is not a fruit that you would typically eat raw. In fact, it’s often mixed with other fruits to balance out the flavor. Rhubarb is often paired with other fruits and ingredients such as strawberries, apples, raspberries, ginger, and orange to create amazing dessert recipes. The unique flavor in rhubarb can turn any dessert from regular to incredible in no time.
Rhubarb compote is a simple and delicious way to start using rhubarb in your kitchen. It’s easy to make and can be used in many different ways. Simply chop up your rhubarb stalks into small pieces and add them to a pan with some sugar, water, and any other fruit you want to include. This mixture should be cooked over medium heat until the rhubarb is soft and the sugar has melted. Once cooked, let it cool and use it as a topping on ice cream or breakfast bowls.
Another favorite recipe is rhubarb crumble. To create a rhubarb crumble, first, you’ll need to chop the rhubarb stalks into small bite-size pieces and add them to a bowl with sugar, a little flour, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This mixture is then placed in the bottom of a baking dish, and the crumble topping is added separately. The crumble is usually made by mixing flour, sugar, and butter until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs. It’s then sprinkled on top of the fruit mixture and baked in the oven until it’s golden brown and bubbling.
Rhubarb is also a great ingredient to use in jams and jellies. To make a rhubarb jam, you’ll need to chop the rhubarb into small pieces and mix it with sugar. You can add other ingredients such as ginger, orange or strawberries to the mixture to give it a unique flavor. Add the mixture to a pot with some water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the mixture cook slowly until the jam is thick and glossy.
Finally, another great way to use rhubarb is in a cocktail. Many people forget that rhubarb can be used in drinks, but it’s a delicious and unique ingredient that can completely transform a cocktail. Rhubarb can be used to make a syrup to add to gin or vodka-based cocktails, or it can be used to infuse a spirit with its distinct flavor.
In conclusion, there are endless possibilities for using rhubarb in the kitchen. Whether it’s in a dessert, jam, or cocktail, this versatile ingredient is sure to add a unique flavor and a touch of tartness to any dish. So next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up some rhubarb and experiment in the kitchen. You may be surprised at how delicious it can be!