Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Stewed rhubarb is incredibly easy to make and offers the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. The addition of honey and orange juice enhances the natural tartness of rhubarb, making it a refreshing and delicious treat. Whether you’re serving it warm or cold, this stewed rhubarb can be enjoyed as a topping for pancakes, yogurt, or even ice cream. It’s a fantastic way to make the most of seasonal rhubarb, and it’s versatile enough to store for later use.
Ingredients
- 8 cups rhubarb, chopped into ½-inch pieces
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp orange zest
- ¼ cup orange juice
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Rhubarb:
Wash the rhubarb thoroughly and chop it into ½-inch pieces. - Cook the Rhubarb:
In a pot over medium-low heat, combine the chopped rhubarb, honey (or maple syrup), orange juice, and orange zest. Stir gently to combine. - Simmer:
Cover the pot with a lid and let the mixture simmer for approximately 20–25 minutes. Stir the rhubarb every 5 minutes to ensure it cooks evenly. If you prefer a smoother consistency, cook for closer to 25 minutes; for a chunkier stew, cook for around 20 minutes. - Serve:
Once the rhubarb has softened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Serve warm or chilled, as a side dish, topping, or just on its own. - Store:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 1 year.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 cups of stewed rhubarb.
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spiced Rhubarb: Add a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, or a dash of ginger for added warmth and complexity to the flavor.
- Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer your rhubarb on the sweeter side, increase the amount of honey or maple syrup.
- Berry Twist: Add a handful of fresh or frozen berries (like strawberries or raspberries) to the rhubarb while cooking for a fruity variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Stewed rhubarb can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 1 year for long-term storage.
- Reheating: Reheat stewed rhubarb in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each burst until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?
Yes, frozen rhubarb works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess liquid before cooking.
2. How do I know when the rhubarb is done cooking?
The rhubarb is done when it has softened to your desired consistency. For a smoother stew, cook it for closer to 25 minutes. For a chunkier texture, cook for about 20 minutes.
3. Can I make this recipe without orange juice?
Yes, you can omit the orange juice and still make a delicious stewed rhubarb. If you’d like a citrusy flavor, try substituting with lemon juice or adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
4. Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?
Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a sugar substitute like stevia to sweeten the rhubarb. Adjust the sweetness to your taste.
5. What can I serve this stewed rhubarb with?
Stewed rhubarb can be served with yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, or even as a topping for desserts like ice cream or cakes.
6. Can I freeze stewed rhubarb?
Yes, you can freeze stewed rhubarb for up to a year. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for storage.
7. How do I store leftover stewed rhubarb?
Store leftover stewed rhubarb in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for future use.
8. Can I make this recipe without orange zest?
Yes, you can omit the orange zest if you prefer, though it adds a lovely citrusy aroma. You can also substitute it with lemon zest for a different citrus flavor.
9. Can I add other fruits to the stew?
Yes, you can mix in berries or other fruits, such as apples or pears, to create a more complex flavor.
10. Can I make this stewed rhubarb in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make stewed rhubarb in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or until the rhubarb has softened and reached your desired consistency.
Conclusion
Stewed rhubarb is an easy and versatile dish that’s both sweet and tart, thanks to the addition of honey and orange juice. With minimal ingredients and a simple cooking process, it’s a perfect treat for anyone looking to enjoy seasonal rhubarb. Whether served as a topping, dessert, or just enjoyed on its own, this stewed rhubarb is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Stewed Rhubarb Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 cups
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Stewed Rhubarb recipe combines the tartness of rhubarb with the citrusy zest of orange and the sweetness of honey, creating a naturally sweetened dish that’s perfect as a side, topping, or enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
8 cups rhubarb, chopped into ½-inch pieces
⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp orange zest
¼ cup orange juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Rhubarb: Wash the rhubarb thoroughly and chop it into ½-inch pieces.
- Cook the Rhubarb: In a pot over medium-low heat, combine the chopped rhubarb, honey (or maple syrup), orange juice, and orange zest. Stir gently to combine.
- Simmer: Cover the pot with a lid and let the mixture simmer for approximately 20–25 minutes. Stir the rhubarb every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. For a smoother consistency, cook for 25 minutes; for chunkier stew, cook for 20 minutes.
- Serve: Once the rhubarb has softened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Serve warm or chilled, as a side dish, topping, or just on its own.
- Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 1 year.
Notes
For added warmth, try spicing the rhubarb with cinnamon, cloves, or ginger.
Adjust sweetness by increasing or decreasing the amount of honey or maple syrup.
Add berries (like strawberries or raspberries) for a fruity twist on the flavor.
This dish is naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
