Swedish Midsummer Bliss: Strawberry Compote Delicacy
Celebrate the enchanting atmosphere of Midsummer with this delightful Swedish Strawberry Compote, known as Jordgubbskräm. As the long summer days dance into the nights of Scandinavia, this refreshing dessert will brighten your celebrations, whether you're gathering around a maypole or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon. Crafted from sun-ripened strawberries, this compote harmonizes sweetness and tartness, making it a perfect accompaniment to festively prepared mains like pickled herring and new potatoes. Easy to prepare and best served chilled, this dish brings a taste of Swedish summer magic to your table. Add a dollop of cream, milk, or sour cream, and savor the essence of Midsummer in every spoonful!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Strawberries
3 cups (Cleaned, hulled, and cut into bite-sized pieces if large)
Water
2 cups (Divided for mixing with cornflour and cooking)
Sugar
1/2 cup (For sweetening the compote)
Cornflour or Cornstarch
2 1/2 tablespoons (Mixed with water to create a paste)
Instructions
1
Start by cleaning and hulling the strawberries. For larger strawberries, cut them into bite-sized pieces or slice them thinly.
2
In a medium saucepan, combine the prepared strawberries with the sugar, allowing them to mingle and release their natural juices.
3
In a small bowl, mix the cornflour (or cornstarch) with a little bit of the water to form a smooth paste. This will help thicken the compote.
4
Stir the cornflour paste into the saucepan with the strawberries, then pour in the remaining water. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
5
Place the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
Once it reaches a boil, immediately remove from heat and let the compote cool slightly.
7
Transfer the strawberry compote into a serving bowl. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little more sugar on top, allowing it to sit and develop flavors.
8
Serve your Strawberry Compote warm or chilled, paired with a drizzle of cream, a splash of milk, or a dollop of sour cream for a truly delightful treat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jordgubbskräm?
Jordgubbskräm is a traditional Swedish strawberry compote frequently served during Midsummer celebrations.
What are the primary ingredients for this strawberry compote?
The main ingredients are 3 cups of fresh strawberries, 2 cups of water, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 2.5 tablespoons of cornflour or cornstarch.
How should I prepare the strawberries for this recipe?
Strawberries should be cleaned, hulled, and if they are large, cut into bite-sized pieces or sliced thinly.
What is the purpose of cornflour in the recipe?
Cornflour, or cornstarch, acts as a thickening agent to give the compote its characteristic smooth and viscous texture.
How do I prepare the cornflour for the compote?
Mix the cornflour with a small portion of the water in a separate bowl to form a smooth paste before adding it to the strawberries.
Can I serve Swedish Strawberry Compote warm?
Yes, the compote can be served either warm or chilled depending on your preference.
What are the traditional toppings for Jordgubbskräm?
It is typically served with a drizzle of cream, a splash of milk, or a dollop of sour cream.
Is this recipe suitable for Midsummer celebrations?
Absolutely, it is specifically designed to celebrate the enchanting atmosphere of Swedish Midsummer.
How long should I boil the mixture?
The mixture should be brought to a gentle boil and then immediately removed from the heat to maintain the best consistency.
Why do I sprinkle sugar on top of the compote after cooking?
Sprinkling sugar on top while it cools helps develop the flavors and prevents a skin from forming on the surface.
Can I use frozen strawberries for this compote?
While fresh sun-ripened strawberries are recommended for the best flavor, frozen strawberries can be used if fresh ones are unavailable.
Is this recipe considered an easy dessert?
Yes, it is an easy-to-prepare dish that brings the taste of Swedish summer to your table with minimal effort.
What savory dishes pair well with this compote?
It is a perfect accompaniment to festive mains like pickled herring and new potatoes.
How much sugar is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sugar to harmonize the sweetness and tartness of the strawberries.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, cornflour and cornstarch are naturally gluten-free, making this dessert safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I use cornstarch instead of cornflour?
Yes, cornstarch and cornflour are interchangeable in this recipe for thickening the compote.
How much water total is used in the recipe?
A total of 2 cups of water is used, divided between the cornflour paste and the cooking liquid.
Should I stir the compote while it is heating?
Yes, you should stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
What is the best way to clean and hull strawberries?
Rinse them under cold water and remove the green leafy top (the hull) using a small knife or a hulling tool.
Can this dessert be made in advance?
Yes, it is actually best served chilled, so preparing it in advance and keeping it in the refrigerator is recommended.
Is this recipe vegan?
The compote itself is vegan. To keep the entire serving vegan, use a plant-based cream or milk alternative.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: strawberries, water, sugar, and cornflour.
What does 'hulling' a strawberry mean?
Hulling refers to removing the green stem and the white pithy core from the top of the strawberry.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
While this is a strawberry compote, you can experiment by adding other summer fruits like rhubarb or raspberries.
What is the texture of the finished Jordgubbskräm?
It has a thickened, silky consistency with soft pieces of fruit throughout.
Does the recipe require any special equipment?
No special equipment is needed; just a medium saucepan, a small bowl for mixing, and a stove.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the compote?
Yes, you can slightly increase or decrease the 1/2 cup of sugar based on the natural sweetness of your strawberries.
How should I store leftover compote?
Leftovers should be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Is this a heavy or light dessert?
It is a refreshing and relatively light dessert, perfect for hot summer days.
Why is it called 'Midsummer Bliss'?
The name reflects the joy and enchanting atmosphere of the Swedish Midsummer holiday where strawberries are a central treat.