Description

This luscious Blueberry Compote is a quick and easy sauce made by gently cooking fresh or frozen blueberries with sugar, lemon juice, and optional flavorings like lemon zest and vanilla extract. Perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or ice cream, this compote adds a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color to any dish. You can customize its thickness by adding cornstarch, making it ideal as a topping or a standalone treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Blueberry Mixture

2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup water or orange juice

Optional Thickeners and Flavorings

1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker consistency)

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Instructions

Prepare the ingredients: If using fresh blueberries, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities. If using frozen blueberries, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand, as they will cook down directly.
Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the blueberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water (or orange juice). Stir gently to mix all ingredients together.
Cook the blueberries: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the mixture heats, allowing the blueberries to soften and burst, releasing their juices. This process typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Adjust texture: For a smoother compote, use a spoon or potato masher to gently crush some of the blueberries during cooking, breaking them down further to your preference.
Thicken the compote (optional): If you desire a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in one tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the blueberry mixture. Continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the compote thickens to your liking.
Add flavorings: Once the compote has reached the desired consistency, stir in the lemon zest and vanilla extract if using. These ingredients add a subtle brightness and depth of flavor.
Cool and serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the compote to cool slightly. The mixture will thicken further as it cools. Serve the compote warm or chilled on pancakes, waffles, ice cream, yogurt, or enjoy it on its own.

Notes

You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar depending on your preference and the sweetness of the blueberries.
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can omit it, but the compote will be more syrupy and less thick.
Fresh lemon zest and juice brighten the flavor, but these can be left out or substituted according to availability or taste.
The compote keeps well in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored in an airtight container.
For a different twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of liqueur such as Grand Marnier.