National Dish Austria: Plum Compote (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Zwetschgenröster, a wonderfully fruity gem of the Austrian dessert table. This gently spiced plum compote is at its very best in autumn, when ripe plums are heavy on the branch and full of flavour. Sweet, aromatic and utterly comforting, it pairs beautifully with classics such as Kaiserschmarrn or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream. Easy to make and impossible to resist, it brings a warm taste of the Alps straight to your kitchen.
About Plum Compote
Zwetschgenröster is a traditional Austrian dessert that comes into its own during the autumn season. This delicious plum compote is the perfect companion to puddings such as Kaiserschmarrn or a bowl of vanilla ice cream. The recipe is simple and calls for only a handful of ingredients, yet the result is a wonderfully distinctive flavour. Dive into the world of Austrian cooking and treat your taste buds to something special.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 500 g plums
- 50 g sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 clove
- Juice of half a lemon
- 50 ml water
Shopping for the ingredients
Be sure to choose ripe, fresh plums for the best possible flavour. In season you will find them at the farmers’ market or in any well-stocked supermarket. Aside from the plums, the remaining ingredients — sugar, a cinnamon stick and lemon juice — are usually already in your kitchen or easy to pick up. Where you can, opt for organic ingredients to guarantee a pure, undiluted taste.
Preparing the dish
Begin by washing and stoning the plums. Cut them into quarters so they cook evenly and soften at the same rate. Set out all the other ingredients — the sugar, cinnamon stick and lemon juice — within easy reach. This little bit of preparation makes the cooking go smoothly and keeps everything running without a hitch.
Step-by-step instructions
- Tip the prepared plums into a saucepan.
- Add the sugar, cinnamon stick, clove, lemon juice and water.
- Heat the mixture over a medium heat, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved.
- Let everything simmer gently over a low heat for about 20–25 minutes, until the plums are soft.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and the clove before serving the plum compote.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Plum compote is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, which makes it a brilliant choice for anyone with these intolerances. Simply check that your spices and sugar contain no unwanted additives. This makes the recipe an excellent option for serving to a wide range of guests with different dietary needs.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Since this recipe contains no animal products whatsoever, plum compote is completely vegan. Both vegans and vegetarians can enjoy it without a second thought. To round it off, plant-based desserts such as soya vanilla ice cream or coconut pudding make lovely partners.
More tips and tricks
To deepen the flavour of your plum compote, add a pinch of vanilla extract or a little grated lemon zest. If you prefer a thicker consistency, simply let it simmer for a few minutes longer. Any leftovers keep happily in the fridge for up to a week, so a larger batch is never a bad idea.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Tailor the recipe to your own preferences — use less sugar, for example, or adjust the amount of spice to suit you. Some people love an extra pinch of nutmeg for a more intense aroma. Adding other fruits such as apples or pears can also give the dish an interesting twist, much as a fruit-laden bake like Reisauflauf Mit Fruechten makes the most of seasonal produce.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have plums to hand, regular plums of any variety work just as well in this recipe. Instead of sugar, you could use honey or maple syrup to lend the dish a natural sweetness. A cinnamon stick can be swapped for an equivalent amount of ground cinnamon without losing any of the warmth.
Drink pairing ideas
A glass of white wine, such as a Riesling, goes beautifully with warm plum compote. Alternatively, enjoy it with a hot tea or a cup of coffee. For children, fruity spritzers or a glass of milk are ideal accompaniments.
Serving and presentation ideas
Serve your plum compote in a decorative bowl and garnish it with a fresh mint leaf or a dusting of cinnamon. To make the dessert look particularly tempting, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pale-coloured plates also help show off the rich colour of this cheerful dish.
A bit of history
Zwetschgenröster has its roots in traditional Austrian cooking and has been prepared for centuries. It is especially well known in the Alpine region, where it is often served alongside Kaiserschmarrn, in much the same spirit of homely sweets as Salzburger Nockerl. The word Röster comes from “roasting” the plums in sugar and spices, which gives the dish its characteristic flavour. With every spoonful you taste a little more of the rich culinary traditions of Austrian cuisine, found throughout Austria.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Plum Compote
Zwetschgenröster is a simple yet wonderfully tasty Austrian dessert. With just a few ingredients and an uncomplicated method, it is the perfect finishing touch to all sorts of puddings. Whether gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan, this dish fits almost any way of eating. Give plum compote a try and let this traditional Austrian sweet work its charm.
