Nova Scotia Blueberry Grunt
In short: Wild blueberries stewed in a skillet and topped with tender biscuit dumplings that steam on top, a Maritime summer dessert served warm with cream. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 340 kcal
Blueberry grunt is a Maritime dessert said to be named for the sound the berries make as they bubble under the lid. Blueberries are simmered with sugar and lemon in a wide pot, then topped with spoonfuls of soft biscuit dough, which cook in the steam into light, fluffy dumplings. It needs no oven and takes about 40 minutes. Wild blueberries from Nova Scotia are traditional, though cultivated or frozen berries work well. Serve it warm with cream or ice cream.
Instructions
- Combine the blueberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, cornstarch, salt and cinnamon in a wide 28 cm (11 in) skillet or pot with a tight lid. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring, for about 5 minutes until the juices thicken slightly.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt for the dumplings. Rub in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs, then stir in the milk to make a soft, sticky dough.
- Lower the heat to medium-low so the berries simmer gently. Drop the dough over the berries in 6 large spoonfuls, spacing them apart.
- Cover tightly and cook for 15 to 18 minutes without lifting the lid, until the dumplings are puffed and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Rest uncovered for 5 minutes, then spoon the dumplings and berries into bowls and serve warm with cream.
Tips
- Keep the lid on while the dumplings cook, because the steam is what cooks them. A glass lid lets you check without peeking.
- Frozen berries do not need thawing. Add 2 minutes to the first simmer. Raspberries and blackberries also work.
Questions and answers
Why is it called a grunt?
The name is said to come from the grunting sound the fruit makes as it bubbles beneath the dumplings. A similar dish in New England is called a slump.
What is the difference between a grunt and a cobbler?
A grunt cooks on the stovetop, with dumplings steamed over the fruit. A cobbler bakes in the oven, and its biscuit topping browns.
Can I make blueberry grunt ahead of time?
It is best served the day it is made. Reheat leftovers covered over low heat for a few minutes.
How long does it take to make Nova Scotia Blueberry Grunt?
About 40 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Nova Scotia Blueberry Grunt?
About 340 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 60 g of carbohydrates and 9 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 340 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 60 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 34 g |
| Sodium | 330 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
