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    Home » Recipes » Sauces

    Last Updated: Jun 23, 2022 by Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com · Leave a Comment

    Stewed Rhubarb

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    Best stewed rhubarb recipe pin with text header.

    You may have never heard of stewed rhubarb, but better late than never because this is one sweet sauce that you have to try! It makes the perfect addition to your favorite baked breakfast goods, an easy topping for desserts, a filling for sweet treats- and so much more! Whip up a batch of this easy stewed rhubarb and you'll want to put it on everything!

    Easy Sweet Rhubarb Sauce

    Stewed rhubarb is essentially a rhubarb compote or chunky sweet rhubarb sauce. It is a bright and flavorfully sweet topping or filling that is often described as being fruity (despite rhubarb technically being a vegetable).

    Rhubarb 'stew' can easily be customized by the addition of your favorite spices like nutmeg or cinnamon. However, I think you'll find it incredibly tasty just as it comes!

    Stewed rhubarb in stainless steel pot with rhubarb stalks on the side.
    Stewed rhubarb is an easy sweet, tangy, and super-flavorful fruit sauce you'll want to keep on hand at all times!
    Jump to:
    • Easy Sweet Rhubarb Sauce
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • 🔪 How To Make Stewed Rhubarb
    • 💭 Tips & Notes
    • What Are Some Ways To Use Stewed Rhubarb?
    • Can I Preserve Or Can Stewed Rhubarb?
    • Do I Have To Make Stewed Rhubarb With Sugar?
    • 😋 More Sweet Sauces & Toppings!
    • 📖 Recipe Card
    • 💬 Reviews

    🥘 Ingredients

    This super simple recipe only requires 2 ingredients! The lime juice is optional but it gives a nice contrast to the sweetness.

    Sliced fresh rhubarb ready for combining with only 2 more ingredients.
    • Fresh Rhubarb - 1 pound, washed with the bottom stalks and leaves removed (*see note).
    • White Sugar- ¼ cup granulated white sugar.
    • Lime (optional) - The juice and zest of 1 lime.

    *Be sure to see the recipe card below for ingredients, amounts & instructions!*

    🔪 How To Make Stewed Rhubarb

    There are just 3 easy steps to making rhubarb stew. You will need a knife and cutting board, a stockpot, and a wooden spoon for stirring.

    Overhead of the sliced rhubarb added to pot and ready to heat with a touch of sugar.
    1. Prep. Slice 1 pound of rhubarb into even, small pieces and place them in a stockpot. Then, add ¼ cup white sugar and the optional juice/zest from 1 lime if using. Stir until well combined.
    2. Simmer. Place the pot on a burner over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally for 15 minutes or until the rhubarb starts to break apart easily. Once the majority of the rhubarb has broken down into a thick sauce, the stew is done.
    3. Cool and store. Remove the pot from heat and give it a taste. Add sugar if not sweet enough (add sugar in 1 tablespoon increments until satisfactory). Once the stewed rhubarb has cooled completely, pour it into a jar with a lid and refrigerate it. Use within 2 weeks.

    There are so many ways to use this sweet, dessert-like fruit sauce! My favorites include topping sourdough french toast, homemade white cake, or a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

    💭 Tips & Notes

    • Never eat the leaves of rhubarb, they are poisonous! 
    • The cooking time can vary depending on your rhubarb. Different types of rhubarb or rhubarb in varying stages of ripeness will not cook the same, but they will all break down into a sauce-like consistency when ready.
    • I remove my stewed rhubarb from heat when most of the rhubarb has broken down into a sauce, but there are still some chunks. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can cook it longer until it breaks down to your liking.
    • Storing: Keep stewed rhubarb in a sealable jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It can be frozen by transferring it into a freezer bag once cooled. It will be freshest if used within 3 months but is safe to eat for much longer.

    What Are Some Ways To Use Stewed Rhubarb?

    Try using your rhubarb sauce as a topping for ice cream, pudding, yogurt, or custard. You could always fill (or top) tarts or cakes with it. It can also be eaten mixed with fresh fruit, as a topping to pancakes or waffles, or spooned over cheesecake. There are so many options!

    Can I Preserve Or Can Stewed Rhubarb?

    No. This should not be canned or preserved. It is not safe to store stewed rhubarb for long periods at room temperature because it should be kept refrigerated.

    Do I Have To Make Stewed Rhubarb With Sugar?

    Nope! If you prefer not to use sugar, you could swap it for agave syrup, maple syrup (which will alter the flavor), honey, or your preferred sweetener.

    😋 More Sweet Sauces & Toppings!

    • Toffee Sauce
    • Microwave Lemon Curd
    • Strawberry Coulis
    • Pineapple Curd
    • Roasted Berries
    • Apple Curd

    Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Subscribe to the newsletter today (no spam, I promise)! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    📖 Recipe Card

    Stewed rhubarb in stainless steel pot with rhubarb stalks on the side.
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    5 from 9 reviews

    Stewed Rhubarb

    You may have never heard of stewed rhubarb, but better late than never because this is one sweet sauce that you have to try! It makes the perfect addition to your favorite baked breakfast goods, an easy topping for desserts, a filling for sweet treats- and so much more! Whip up a batch of this easy stewed rhubarb and you'll want to put it on everything!
    Author | Angela
    Servings: 1 jar
    Calories: 308kcal
    Prep 10 minutes minutes
    Cooking 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time 25 minutes minutes
    Pin Recipe Share on Facebook

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 lb Fresh Rhubarb (washed with the bottom stalks and leaves removed- *see note)
    • ¼ cup white sugar
    • 1 lime (juice and zest- optional)
    Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

    Instructions

    • Slice your rhubarb into even, bite-sized pieces and place them in a medium stockpot. Then, add the sugar and optional lime juice/zest if using. Stir until well combined.
      1 lb Fresh Rhubarb, ¼ cup white sugar, 1 lime
    • Place the pot on a burner and heat it over medium-low heat. Leave to simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb starts to break apart easily. Once the majority of the rhubarb has broken down into a thick sauce-like consistency, the stew is done.
    • Remove the pot from heat. Taste and adjust sugar if needed (adding only 1 tablespoon of sugar at a time as necessary). Let the stewed rhubarb cool completely then pour it into a seal-able jar. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

    Equipment You May Need

    Chef's Knife
    Cutting Board
    Sauce Pan

    Notes

    • Never eat the leaves of rhubarb, they are poisonous! 
    • The cooking time can vary depending on your rhubarb. Different types of rhubarb or rhubarb in varying stages of ripeness will not cook the same, but they will all break down into a sauce-like consistency when ready.
    • I remove my stewed rhubarb from heat when most of the rhubarb has broken down into a sauce, but there are still some chunks. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can cook it longer until it breaks down to your liking.
    • Storing: Keep stewed rhubarb in a sealable jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It can be frozen by transferring it into a freezer bag once cooled. It will be freshest if used within 3 months but is safe to eat for much longer.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 308kcal (15%) | Carbohydrates: 77g (26%) | Protein: 5g (10%) | Fat: 1g (2%) | Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 20mg (1%) | Potassium: 1376mg (39%) | Fiber: 10g (42%) | Sugar: 56g (62%) | Vitamin A: 496IU (10%) | Vitamin C: 56mg (68%) | Calcium: 413mg (41%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
    fresh rhubarb, rhubarb recipes, Stewed Rhubarb, what to do with fresh rhubarb
    Course Sauces
    Cuisine American

    author profile photo
    Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

    Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

    bakeitwithlove.com/about/

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