Kompot
Polish Stewed Fruit Drink
A traditional Polish beverage made by gently stewing a variety of fruits in sweetened water, often infused with spices. It's a refreshing drink served chilled, with the tender stewed fruits enjoyed as a light dessert.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300g Mixed dried fruits(A blend of prunes, apricots, raisins, and pears is traditional. Ensure they are unsulfured if possible.)
- 2 medium Fresh apples(Any variety works, such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. Core and cut into quarters.)
- 2 liters Water(Filtered water is recommended for the best flavor.)
- 100g Granulated sugar(Adjust to taste. Can be substituted with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.)
- 1 Cinnamon stick(A whole stick imparts a subtle cinnamon flavor. Can be omitted or replaced with a pinch of ground cinnamon.)
- 2-3 Optional: Whole cloves(Adds an extra layer of spice.)
- 1 strip Optional: Lemon peel(Adds a bright citrus note.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the fruits: Thoroughly rinse the mixed dried fruits under cold running water. Core the fresh apples and cut them into quarters or large chunks. No need to peel.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Combine ingredients: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the rinsed dried fruits, quartered apples, 2 liters of water, and 100g of sugar. Add the cinnamon stick and any optional spices like cloves or lemon peel.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Simmer gently: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. The fruits should become tender and plump, and the liquid will take on a beautiful color and aroma. Avoid a rolling boil, as it can make the fruits mushy.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 4
Cool and strain (optional): Remove the pot from the heat. Discard the cinnamon stick, cloves, and lemon peel. For a clearer drink, you can strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or pitcher, reserving the stewed fruits separately. Alternatively, leave the fruits in the liquid for a more rustic presentation.
⏱️ 10 minutes (cooling start) - 5
Chill and serve: Allow the kompot to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill thoroughly for at least 2-3 hours, or until cold. Serve the chilled kompot cold, garnished with a fresh mint sprig if desired. The tender stewed fruits can be served alongside the drink as a light, healthy dessert.
⏱️ 2-3 hours (minimum chilling)
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Traditionally served on Christmas Eve (Wigilia) as part of the 12-dish feast.
- ✓The stewed fruits are delicious served with a dollop of yogurt, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- ✓Using 12 different types of fruit (fresh or dried) is a symbolic tradition representing the 12 Apostles.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Fresh Fruit Kompot: Use only fresh fruits like apples, pears, plums, cherries, and berries. Adjust simmering time based on fruit type.
- Sugar-Free Kompot: Omit the sugar entirely or sweeten naturally with ripe fruits. The flavor will be less sweet but still refreshing.
- Spiced Kompot: Add star anise, cardamom pods, or a vanilla bean for more complex spice notes.