Perhaps nothing signals the arrival of spring better than delicious rhubarb. The tart vegetable (yes, you read that right) that we think of as a fruit lends itself to gentle poaching to coax out its flavour. It’s just waiting to be combined with a host of herbs and aromatics to make it even more luscious.
Tip: Serve your poached rhubarb with a flourish by adding a dried orange slice on top. To dry orange slices, simply place thin slices on baking sheet in a 300 F (150 C) oven for about 2 hours, until dried.
Sustainability cred
Rhubarb is a cool-season crop that is often available close to home. Selecting seasonal fruit reduces the need for heating, refrigeration, artificial lighting, pesticides, and increased transport. While rhubarb’s season may be short, the plant is a perennial that can produce for years.
Poached Rhubarb with Cinnamon, Mint, and Ginger
Ingredients
- 2 cups (500 mL) rhubarb, cut into 1 in (2.5 cm) pieces
- 1 thumb-size piece of gingerroot, cut into 3 or 4 chunks
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Large mint sprig
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) orange juice
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) water
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) honey
Nutrition
Per serving:
- calories86
- protein2 g
- total fat0 g
- sat. fat0 g
- total carbohydrates21 g
- sugars15 g
- fibre2 g
- sodium8 mg
Directions
01
Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
02
In shallow 10 x 10 x 3 in (26 x 26 x 8 cm) baking pan, arrange rhubarb in one layer. Cut ginger in 3 or 4 chunks and add to pan along with cinnamon stick and mint sprig.
03
In small bowl or jug, mix together orange juice, water, and honey. Pour over rhubarb mixture.
04
Place baking tray in preheated oven and poach for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Rhubarb is done when it is fork tender but still retains its shape. Serve over porridge, yogurt, and/or granola, or use as a dessert topping or cake filling.
READ THIS NEXT
SEE MORE »
Hidden Greens Chocolate Shake
Whether serving for breakfast or after a hard workout, this “I-can’t-believe-it-has-greens” frosty smoothie hits all the nutritional and flavour high points. Yes, it does taste like dessert in a glass. If your dates are dry or stiff, it’s recommended to soak them in warm water for a few minutes before blending. If you want to go big on protein, you can blend in some of your favourite protein powder.
Golden Carrot Soup
When temperatures begin to climb, it’s good to know that soup need not be off the menu. Just serve it cold for a refreshing way to beat the heat. This vibrant Thai-flavoured carrot soup is a feast for the eyes and a smart way to spoon up some brain-benefitting nutrition. The soup may thicken in the refrigerator, so thin with additional liquid if needed. During the cooler months, this soup can be served warm for cozy comfort.
Salmon Cakes with Blueberry Sauce
These salmon cakes are adorable on their own, but the sweet-savoury blueberry sauce is what puts this weeknight-worthy meal over the top, so to speak. And in this age of rising food costs, it’s heartening to know that budget-friendly dishes like this one can be both nutritious and delicious. Consider serving with a side of roasted sweet potato or whole grain rice.
Carrot, Raspberry, and Olive Tartine
This lovely open-faced sandwich is at once earthy, bright, briny, and fruity. Combining garden-fresh carrots and raspberries not only provides a great flavour profile but also delivers a good dose of anti-inflammatory properties. Also, feel free to play around with the herbs in this recipe. Be inspired by the soft herbs growing in your garden to make this recipe your own. Herb appeal Culinary herbs can be generally categorized in one of two ways: hard or soft. Hard herbs are more durable plants with woody stalks and tough leaves and are generally added toward the beginning of a dish. Examples: rosemary, bay leaves, and thyme. Soft herbs are more delicate in texture and are generally added toward the end of cooking or as garnish. Examples: basil, parsley, dill, cilantro, and chives.