Q: I travel with my husband to Ireland regularly for business and for breakfast we are delighted when the breakfast bar includes their wonderful stewed prunes and plain yogurt.
Do you have a recipe for stewed prunes? In Ireland they are not too sweet so they are a nice accompaniment to breakfast. I would love to treat my family to them here in the US.
Sent by Debbie
Editor: Debbie, here's a recipe to try — I love these prunes. They're not too sweet and very rich and delicious:
• Recipe: Prunes Stewed in Port Wine
Readers, do you have other recommendations or ideas?
Related: The Misunderstood Prune: 10 Recipes, Sweet & Savory
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I've always just stewed them in water until soft. I find I really like the way they taste and I don't need to do anything other than soften them up.
When I make Norwegian fruit soup, of which prunes are a component, I just soak the prunes for a few hours (2 cups water to 1 cup fruit), add a tablespoon of sugar per cup of fruit, and then simmer them until thick. Of course, that recipe also calls for tapioca to help thicken it a bit and I'm sure you probably just want regular stewed prunes, but I would just try simmering them gently in a little water with a tablespoon of white sugar and maybe a cinnamon stick until the prunes are plump and juicy. Or until they fall apart, if you prefer that.
Let us know how it turns out!
@vintagejenta, that sounds awesome!
Orangette has a very tasty recipe for Stewed Prunes in her book and on her blog. If I recall, it was one of father's favorite foods.http://orangette.blogspot.com/2005/10/semantics-of-stewing.html
I find there is no need to add sugar as the prunes are sweet by themselves, just cook them in a kettle on top of the stove with as much water as you want sauce. I usually add a handful of raisins which also adds sweetness. (and a good way to use up old dried up raisins!)
I have no idea how the Irish do it, but I stew mine in water without added sugar. When they are done to my liking, I remove the prunes and boil down the water to a thickened syrup. Then depending on my taste I will add a bit of sugar or maple syrup, a dash of red wine and/or some cinnamon. Stewed fruit is delicious with good yogurt or heavy cream (esp. warm) or mascarpone cheese or creme fraiche.
http://inpraiseofsardines.typepad.com/blogs/2005/10/pbt1_tea_poache.html
I love them stewed for a few minutes on the stove in water. I also add other dried fruits like apricots and dates and then top the warm fruit with a little dollop of sour cream.
I use water and orange zest. No need for sugar.
I stew mine for about 20 minutes in water with some very thinly sliced oranges and lemons a stick of cinnamon. No sugar is needed. They are fab cold out of the refrigerator.
at Christmas my boyfriend's mother stewed prunes to have with our goose, and she just did them as other people have said, with some water on the stove, and added a few spoonfuls of brandy to the mix for a little extra depth. they were absolutely delicious!