Okay, friends, let me tell you about my Grandma Elsie’s rhubarb Sauce Recipe. This isn’t just any sauce; it’s sunshine in a bowl. I’m talking vibrant, tangy, and sweet all at the same time, with a flavor that just screams “springtime!” It’s honestly up there with my other favorite easy fruit sauces like classic apple sauce, but with that extra special rhubarb zing that just makes everything brighter. This rhubarb sauce recipe is seriously the best way to use up that gorgeous rhubarb from your garden, or even from the grocery store! It reminds me of warm summer days spent with family, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you all.
What is Rhubarb Sauce?
Rhubarb sauce, well, it’s essentially a fruit compote, but with rhubarb as the star! If you’ve never had rhubarb before, think of it as having a tart, slightly sour flavor that’s just begging for a little sweetness to balance it out. The sauce is made by simmering chopped rhubarb with sugar and a little water until it breaks down into a luscious, jammy consistency. It’s simple, rustic, and bursting with flavor. My grandma always made it in the spring when rhubarb was plentiful, and the aroma filling the kitchen was just heavenly. It’s not overly complicated, and the vibrant pink color is always a hit.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
I know I wouldn’t share anything unless it was truly special, right? Why do I need rhubarb sauce?
- The Flavor!Oh my goodness, the flavor! What makes rhubarb tart is the sweetness of the sugar, creating a symphony of flavors. What are some of the best flavors that dance on your taste buds? I find this tangy, slightly sweet, and totally addictive.
- What is so easy, it’s Almost Criminal:Honestly, you almost don’t even need a recipe. This is an dump-and-simmer type of situation. What is a good sweet treat for busy weeknights?
- Budget-Friendly BWhat are some good ways to grow rhubarb yourself? What are some of the easiest recipes to make with simple ingredients?
- Is Versatility Insane?Can you use it on ice cream, swirl it into yogurt, or even as a topping for pancakes? What is the best glaze for pork? What are the possibilities?
What I love about this recipe is how it takes me right back to my childhood. Every time I make a recipe, I can smell my grandmother’s kitchen again. What is the best rhubarb recipe? What is a step up from stewed rhubarb?
How do I make Rhubarb Sauce?
Quick Overview
Making this rhubarb Sauce Recipe is a breeze! You basically chop the rhubarb, toss it in a pot with sugar and a little water, and let it simmer until it’s perfectly saucy. It takes maybe 30 minutes, start to finish, and most of that is just letting it do its thing on the stove. Trust me, even if you’re a total beginner in the kitchen, you can totally nail this!
Ingredients
What is the recipe for Rhubarb Sauce?
- 4 cups chopped fresh rhubarb (about 1 pound). I always try to use rhubarb stalks that are a nice pink color for the prettiest sauce.
- 34 cup granulated sugar. How sweet you like your rhubarb?
- 14 cup water. Just enough to get things going and prevent sticking.
- What is the best lemon juice to drink? I always do this, it brings out the rhubarb flavor!
- 12 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but adds a warm, comforting note).
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prep the Rhubarb
Wash and chop the rhubarb into 12-inch pieces. Don’t worry about peeling it. The skin is fine to eat and adds a lovely color to the sauce.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped rhubarb, sugar, and water. Set aside. Stir well to make sure the sugar is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes. If rhubarb is too soft to eat, cook it for a few minutes until it has melted. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Add Flavor
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract (if using). I adjust the sweetness if needed, adding more sugar a tablespoon at time until it reaches the desired sweetness. What is your desired level of sweetness?
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the sauce cool before serving. It will thicken as it cools. Serve warm or chilled.
What should I serve it with?
What is rhubarb sauce? What are some of my favorite ways to enjoy life?
- For Breakfast:Spoon it over pancakes or waffles, or swirl it into your morning yogurt or oatmeal. What is better than a sprinkle of granola on top?
- For Brunch:Serve it alongside baked brie with crackers for a sweet and savory appetizer. Or, offer it as a topping for your own yogurt parfait bar.
- As Dessert:Top a pound cake with rhubarb sauce. Can you use it as a filling for homemade tarts or pies?
- For Cozy Snacks:How do you serve warm rhubarb sauce with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream? What is the best comfort food for a cold evening?
My family loves to serve it warm over vanilla Ice Cream with a sprinkle of graham crackers. Is this a good glaze for roasted chicken? Don’t be afraid to experiment. I remember one time I used it in place of cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving, and everyone loved it. What is a new tradition?
How do I make a Rhubarb Sauce?
After years of making this rhubarb Sauce Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure it turns out. How do I make it perfect every time
- Rhubarb Prep: Choose rhubarb stalks that are firm and crisp, with a vibrant pink or red color. Avoid stalks that are wilted or mushy.
- Sugar Adjustment: What Start with the recommended amount of sugar and adjust to your liking. Remember that the sauce will taste less tart once it’s cooled. I’ve found that the amount of sugar you need really depends on the variety of rhubarb you have, so taste as you go.
- Simmering Time:How long does it take to cook rhubarb? How do you make a sauce? Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. What is the best way to break down rhubarb with a spoon?
- Flavor Boost:Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations! How do I add cinnamon to a sauce? I tried adding a little cardamom and it was amazing!
- Consistency Control:If your sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes without the lid to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Is there excess liquid that can evaporate? If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Lemon Juice Substitute: No lemon juice? A splash of apple cider vinegar works just fine. You’re really just looking for that little bit of acidity to balance the sweetness.
Honestly, the biggest mistake I used to make was not stirring it enough, and I would end up with a burnt bottom! Now I set a timer to remind myself to stir every 5 minutes or so.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your rhubarb sauce fresh and delicious:
- Room Temperature: I really wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than a couple of hours.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled rhubarb sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to leave some headspace in the container, as the sauce will expand slightly when frozen. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
I always make a big batch and freeze some for later. It’s so nice to have a little taste of summer in the middle of winter! I find that freezing it in smaller portions makes it easier to thaw just what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my Grandma Elsie’s famous rhubarb Sauce Recipe! It’s a simple, delicious, and versatile recipe that I know you’ll love as much as I do. The best part is, it truly tastes like summer in a bowl. If you’re craving that perfectly tangy-sweet flavor, this one’s for you.
If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other fruit sauce recipes, like my easy cranberry sauce or my homemade applesauce! I can’t wait to hear how your rhubarb sauce turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you serve it with. Happy cooking!
Rhubarb Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Rhubarb Cut into 1-inch pieces
- 0.75 cup Sugar
- 0.25 cup Water
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Combine rhubarb, sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rhubarb is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
