Strawberry Rhubarb Recipes: A Sweet and Tart Delight
Strawberry rhubarb is a classic flavor combination, loved for its perfect balance of sweet and tart. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, these recipes offer delicious ways to enjoy this delightful pairing. From pies and crisps to jams and sauces, there's a strawberry rhubarb recipe for every palate and skill level. Let's dive into some mouthwatering possibilities!
Classic Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
This recipe is a timeless favorite, perfect for sharing with family and friends. The juicy filling, encased in a flaky crust, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- Crust: Use your favorite pie crust recipe or buy a pre-made one for convenience.
- Filling:
- 4 cups chopped rhubarb
- 4 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
- Pour filling into the pie crust.
- Top with another crust or lattice work, crimping the edges to seal.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool completely before serving.
Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
For a simpler dessert, a crisp is the perfect choice. This recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
Ingredients:
- Filling: Same as the pie filling above.
- Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine the filling ingredients in a baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the topping ingredients, using your fingers or a pastry blender to cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the filling.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
Preserve the summer flavors with this homemade jam. Perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or using in other recipes.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chopped rhubarb
- 4 cups sliced strawberries
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 box powdered pectin (follow package instructions)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
- Bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.
- Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and skim off any foam.
- Ladle into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace.
- Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring More Strawberry Rhubarb Creations
There are countless ways to enjoy this delightful combination! Consider these ideas:
- Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce: A versatile sauce perfect for pancakes, waffles, or even as a glaze for pork.
- Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins: A quick and easy breakfast treat.
- Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler: Another easy dessert option, similar to a crisp.
- Strawberry Rhubarb Ice Cream: A refreshing summer dessert.
- Strawberry Rhubarb Compote: A delicious addition to yogurt, granola, or oatmeal.
Remember to adjust sweetness levels based on your preference and the tartness of your rhubarb. Enjoy experimenting with these delicious and versatile recipes!
