Kompot (Polish Stewed Fruit Drink)

🧂 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

🔄 Variations

• 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.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving