Kompot z Suszu (Polish Dried Fruit Compote)
Local name: Kompot z suszu
In short: Dried apples, pears and plums simmered with cinnamon and cloves into a smoky-sweet drink, the traditional Polish Christmas Eve compote. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Resting
- 4 h
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 120 kcal
At the Polish Christmas Eve table, kompot z suszu is the drink in every glass: dried apples, pears and plums simmered with cinnamon and cloves. Smoked plums are the signature ingredient and add a gentle smoky depth you will not find in other fruit drinks. It is served warm or at room temperature, with a few pieces of soft fruit left in each glass, and it works just as well chilled.
Instructions
- Rinse the dried fruit under cold running water. Put the apples, pears and apricots in a large pot with the water, cover and soak for at least 1 hour, or overnight for a deeper flavor.
- Add the cinnamon, cloves and lemon peel. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes.
- Add the prunes and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes more, until all the fruit is soft but not falling apart.
- Take the pot off the heat. Stir in the sugar to taste, and the lemon juice if you like. Cover and leave to steep for at least 1 hour, preferably 3, so the flavor deepens.
- Remove the spices and lemon peel. Serve warm in glasses, with a few pieces of fruit in each, or chill and serve cold.
Tips
- Smoked prunes, sold in Polish and some Eastern European shops, give the authentic flavor. Regular prunes still make a good compote, just without the smoky note.
- Do not boil hard, or the fruit turns to mush and the drink clouds. The fruit is naturally sweet, so add sugar only after tasting.
Questions and answers
Is kompot the same as juice?
No. Kompot is made by simmering whole fruit in water with a little sugar. It is lighter and less sweet than juice, and the cooked fruit is eaten with a spoon.
Can I serve it chilled?
Yes. Chilled kompot is refreshing in summer. Keep it in a jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I make kompot with fresh fruit?
Yes. In summer, Poles simmer strawberries, rhubarb, cherries or apples with a little sugar and serve it cold. Cook fresh fruit for only 5 to 10 minutes so it stays bright.
How long does it take to make Kompot z Suszu (Polish Dried Fruit Compote)?
About 45 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kompot z Suszu (Polish Dried Fruit Compote)?
About 120 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 30 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 120 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 24 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
