Entree: Germany – Schleswig-Holstein – Rote Grütze mit Sahne (Thick red berry compote pudding traditionally served warm or cold with cream)

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 5 min

Cook 10 min

Additional 1 hr

Total 1 hr 15 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (450 g) mixed red berries (strawberries, raspberries, red currants, and/or cherries), fresh or thawed
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, adjust to taste
- 2 tbsp (16 g) cornstarch (cornflour)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) cold water for cornstarch slurry
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
- 1 tsp (5 g) lemon zest (optional)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (Sahne), chilled, for serving
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract (optional, for cream)

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the berries and sugar over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the fruit releases juices and the mixture begins to simmer, about 5–8 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
2. Mix the cornstarch with the cold water to make a smooth slurry. Gradually whisk the slurry into the simmering berry mixture and cook 1–2 minutes more until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then chill in the refrigerator until set if serving cold. Serve spooned into bowls with a generous splash of chilled heavy cream (optionally lightly sweetened with vanilla).