Red berry fruit compote (German rote grütze)

This light, fruity dessert is a German summertime staple – a mixed berry compote with custard. The fruity mix is ideal as a topping for granola or stirred through ice cream

Prep:5 mins
Cook:25 mins
plus at least 2 hrs chilling

Easy

Nutrition per serving

kcal 171
fat 2g
saturates 2g
carbs 33g
sugars 24g
fibre 1g
protein 3g
salt 0.1g

Ingredients

440g canned pitted cherries in syrup (Morello or sour cherries are best, if you can get them)
100g mixed fresh or frozen forest fruits (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
180ml cranberry juice
½ tbsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tbsp golden caster sugar
dash of rosewater
2 tbsp cornflour
500g pot good-quality vanilla custard
1 square of 70% dark chocolate, finely grated
handful pomegranate seeds
handful mint leaves

Method

In a large saucepan over a medium heat, cook the fruits in their juices and syrup, along with 150ml of the cranberry juice, the vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar and rosewater for about 20 mins or until the fruits are soft.
In a separate bowl, mix the remaining cranberry juice with the cornflour until it becomes smooth and milky without any lumps. Pour slowly into the hot fruit and continue stirring until mixed in well – the compote will thicken after a couple of mins. Remove from the heat and leave to cool. Transfer to a bowl, cover and chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving for best results in texture and flavour. Will keep for up to 1 week.
Serve the compote in ramekins, small bowls or clean jam jars, with a generous dollop of vanilla custard. Sprinkle the chocolate shavings and pomegranate seeds on top, and finish with the mint leaves.