Spiced Cornish Apple Compote

Name: Spiced Cornish Apple Compote
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 5 Bramley apples, peeled and sliced; 7 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced; 50 g caster sugar; 150 ml Apple cider; 1 lemon, juiced; 1 star anise; 1 pinch Ground nutmeg; 1 pinch Allspice; 2 Thyme sprigs, leaves picked

A beautiful balance of textures featuring a smooth Bramley apple base and tender Granny Smith chunks. Infused with aromatic star anise, nutmeg, and crisp apple cider, this compote is perfect for breakfast bowls or as a sophisticated dessert topping.

Servings6 Portions

Prep Time10 Mins

Cook Time20 Mins

Difficulty

Easy

Ingredients

Bramley apples, peeled and sliced
5
Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
7
caster sugar
50 g
Apple cider
150 ml
lemon, juiced
1
star anise
1
Ground nutmeg
1 pinch
Allspice
1 pinch
Thyme sprigs, leaves picked
2

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large saucepan, combine the sliced Bramley apples, caster sugar, lemon juice, 100ml of the apple cider, and all the spices (nutmeg, allspice, and star anise).

Cook the mixture over medium heat, uncovered, for 8–10 minutes until the apples are completely soft. Once cooked, remove and discard the star anise.

Using a blender or food processor, process the cooked apple mixture into a smooth purée, then return it to the saucepan.

Stir in the diced Granny Smith apples. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for about 1 hour until the apple chunks are soft but still retain their shape.

To serve, stir through the fresh thyme leaves and the remaining 50ml of cider. This compote can be served warm or chilled.

Chef's Tips

For a non-alcoholic version, replace the cider with a high-quality cloudy apple juice. This compote keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days and is excellent served alongside roast pork or stirred into morning porridge.