Spiced Apple Compote

This compote recipe started out as a way to “spice up” a family favorite. My kids love applesauce. I have always served them unsweetened applesauce and they don’t seem to mind, but when it comes to dessert they expect something a little more exciting. For this recipe I used ghee, which is clarified butter. (Learn how to make your own ghee in the oven.) Ghee is useful in a strict Paleo diet because the milk solids have been removed. It adds a pleasant smoothness and richness to the dish. You can substitute extra virgin coconut oil or pastured butter if you prefer. We tried it with coconut oil but, while the compote was still delicious, the ghee provided that unmatched butter aroma and flavor. The spiced apple compote can be served hot or cold, as a dessert or a side dish.

Ingredients

  • 6 apples, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2-inch slices
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped dried cherries (unsweetened if possible)
  • 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest

Directions

Combine apples, water and lemon juice in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil then turn down the heat and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes or until apples are tender. Stir in the dried cherries, apricots, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg and cook 5 more minutes. Add the ghee to the hot mixture and stir until melted. Finish with lemon zest. Serves 6-8

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Spiced Apple Compote

  • Author: Lea Valle
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Category: Dessert, Side Dish

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 apples, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2-inch slices
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped dried cherries (unsweetened if possible)
  • 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Combine apples, water and lemon juice in a large saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil then turn down the heat and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes or until apples are tender
  3. Stir in the dried cherries, apricots, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg
  4. cook 5 more minutes
  5. Add the ghee to the hot mixture and stir until melted.
  6. Finish with lemon zest.
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