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Big-Batch Strawberry Compote

4.4

(4)

strawberry recipes photo of big batch strawberry compote ingredients in a turquoise saucepan.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Kat Boytsova

Use this all-purpose fruit compote to fill pastries, spoon over ice cream, or mix into smoothies.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    1 hour

  • Yield

    Makes about 6 cups

Ingredients

4 lb. strawberries, hulled, halved if large
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, and/or 4 strips lemon zest (optional)
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine strawberries, sugar, salt, and 1/4 cup water in a small pot. Scrape in vanilla seeds and add pod, or add lemon zest if using. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up strawberries with a wooden spoon at beginning of cooking, until fruit is tender and juices are thick enough to coat spoon, 40–45 minutes. Fish out vanilla pod and/or lemon zest, then stir in lemon juice.

    Step 2

    Do Ahead: Compote can be made 5 days ahead. Let cool, then cover and chill.

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