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Glass of rosy rhubarb ginger compote under a soft cream swirl, with ginger slices on a white linen napkin

Low-Sugar Rhubarb Compote with Fresh Ginger and Cream

A stovetop rhubarb compote sweetened with a little maple syrup, brightened with orange and ginger, and served over softly whipped cream.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Healthy Homemade
Calories: 142
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Compote
  • 600 g rhubarb stalks leaves removed, cut into 2 cm / 3/4-inch pieces
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 orange medium; zested, then juiced (about 60 ml / 1/4 cup juice)
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger finely grated
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch fine salt
Cream
  • 180 ml heavy whipping cream / 3/4 cup; cold
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Trim the rhubarb, discard any leaves, and cut the stalks into 2 cm / 3/4-inch pieces. Zest the orange, then juice it. Grate the ginger finely.
  2. Add the rhubarb, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, ginger, and salt to a 3-quart / 2.8 L saucepan. Set over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, about 4 minutes, stirring once or twice.
  3. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the rhubarb is soft and most pieces still hold a rounded edge. Stir in 1/2 tsp vanilla and take the pan off the heat. Taste, and add an extra teaspoon of maple syrup only if it's too sharp.
  4. While the compote cools slightly, whip the cold cream and 1/2 tsp vanilla in a 1.5-quart / 1.4 L bowl for about 2 minutes, until soft peaks form and the cream still slumps off the spoon.
  5. Spoon the compote into 6 small glasses or bowls, about 1/3 cup / 100 g each, and top with 2 tbsp / 30 ml of cream. Serve warm or chilled.

Notes

  • Discard all rhubarb leaves. Only the stalks are safe to eat.
  • Stop simmering while some pieces still hold their shape. They keep softening as the compote cools.
  • Taste after cooking before adding more maple syrup. Cold compote tastes less sweet.
  • Assemble the glasses right before serving so the cream stays soft.