Summer

Fresh Apricot Compote with Vanilla Bean

by:
July 27, 2012
4.5
4 Ratings
Fresh Apricot Compote with Vanilla Bean
  • Makes about 1 1/2 cups
Author Notes

Like most fruit this time of year, fresh apricots require very little to make them sing. Prepared this way, they are not as sweet or smooth as jam, but a bit of sugar (or honey), vanilla, and gentle heat coaxes out all of their wonderful rich, buttery flavor without losing their distinct tartness. They slump over in the pan and release their juices making them the perfect topping for all sorts of dishes. —Yossy Arefi

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1 pound apricots
  • 1 1/2-3 ounces sugar or honey
  • 1/2 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
  • 1 strip of lemon zest. 1/2'' wide
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons water
Directions
  1. Remove the pits from the apricots by gently tearing the fruit in half. Add the pitted apricot halves, sugar, vanilla bean seeds and pod, lemon zest, lemon juice and water to a medium saucepan and stir gently to combine.
  2. Cook the mixture on medium low heat until the sugar dissolves and the apricots begin to release their juices. Turn the heat up to medium and gently simmer the apricots, stirring occasionally, until they are very soft and beginning to fall apart, but not completely mushy. About 10-15 minutes. Taste the apricots and add a bit more sweetener if desired.
  3. Remove the vanilla bean pod and reserve it for another use, remove the strip of lemon zest and serve the apricots warm or cold. If there are any leftovers, store them in the fridge.
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Yossy Arefi
Yossy Arefi is a photographer and stylist with a passion for food. During her stint working in restaurant kitchens, Yossy started the blog Apt. 2B Baking Co. where, with her trusty Pentax film camera, she photographs and writes about seasonal desserts and preserves. She currently lives in Brooklyn but will always love her native city of Seattle. Follow her work at apt2bbakingco.blogspot.com & yossyarefi.com.

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4 Reviews

Ansley
Ansley November 16, 2022
I agree with Amanda G.! I love all the nuances -- floral, tart, sweet, and so aromatic with the vanilla. Great with fresh or frozen apricots. Delicious over waffles.
 
Amanda G.
Amanda G. July 27, 2020
Using fresh apricots off the tree, I added the vanilla and 4oz sugar as the fruit was very tart. I cooked according to directions for 10 minutes. Super good with ice cream and oatmeal. This is a great recipe for all those apricots. Thanks! *
 
Amanda G.
Amanda G. July 27, 2020
Using fresh apricots off the tree, I added the vanilla and 4oz sugar as the fruit was very tart. I cooked according to directions for 10 minutes. Super good with ice cream and oatmeal. This is a great recipe for all those apricots. Thanks!
 
Jessamine
Jessamine August 6, 2019
What a simple and great way to use fresh apricots, which are really much better cooked or dried than eaten fresh. I used about 2 oz of sugar, which seemed about right, but next time I would use less vanilla, or dispense with it completely.