Uzvar (Ukrainian Dried Fruit Compote)
Local name: Узвар
In short: A lightly sweet drink of dried apples, pears, prunes and apricots simmered and steeped, served warm or cold at Christmas. It takes about 1 h 10 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Resting
- 5 h
- Total
- 1 h 10 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 165 kcal
Uzvar is the dried fruit compote of Ukrainian winters and the drink of Christmas Eve, served alongside the twelve meatless dishes. Dried apples, pears, prunes and apricots simmer gently, then steep for hours so the water turns amber and fragrant. It needs very little sugar, because the fruit gives its own sweetness. Serve it warm in cold weather, or chilled, with a few pieces of fruit in each glass.
Instructions
- Rinse all the dried fruit in warm water and soak it in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain well.
- Put the apples and pears in a pot with the 2 liters of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 15 minutes.
- Add the prunes, apricots and cinnamon stick, if using. Simmer for 10 more minutes, until the fruit is soft but not falling apart.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the sugar until dissolved. Cover and leave to steep for at least 4 hours, or overnight, so the drink turns deep amber.
- Taste and add more sugar if you like. Serve warm or chilled in glasses, with a few pieces of fruit in each.
Tips
- Add the softer fruit, the prunes and apricots, after the apples and pears have cooked for a while, so nothing turns to mush.
- Sweeten at the end to taste. The fruit is already sweet, so start with less sugar and add more only if the drink needs it.
Questions and answers
Can I make uzvar with fresh fruit?
You can, but the flavor is lighter and the drink is then a fresh fruit compote. Dried fruit gives uzvar its deep, rounded taste.
How long does uzvar keep?
Covered in the fridge it keeps for 4 days. Serve it cold or reheat it gently.
Why is uzvar served on Christmas Eve?
It is traditionally one of the twelve dishes of the meatless supper, and the dried fruit stands for the harvest. It is usually served at the end of the meal.
How long does it take to make Uzvar (Ukrainian Dried Fruit Compote)?
About 1 h 10 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Uzvar (Ukrainian Dried Fruit Compote)?
About 165 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 40 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 165 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 36 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
