Stewed Rhubarb

Long-time cooks will roll their eyes: Stewed rhubarb? Everyone knows how to make that! No, they don’t. You’d be surprised what some people have never made because they wrongly think it may be difficult. I’m feeling über lazy today, and don’t want to do anything that requires a lot of work, which is why the simplicity of rhubarb came to mind. Although Stewed Rhubarb is great on its own, it’s sublime over ice cream, plain cake, or Greek yogurt.

Stewed Rhubarb:

4 c. (1 L) fresh rhubarb 

3 tbsp. (45 mL) water (see Note) 
1/2 c. (125 mL) granulated sugar, or to taste
1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Twist rhubarb stalks from their root. Trim and discard leaves - they’re toxic. Slice away and discard tough end piece, cutting where knife easily penetrates stalk. Rinse stalks before slicing into 1-in. (2.54 cm) pieces. Blot dry and refrigerate until needed, up to a week.

Bye, bye leaf!

So long, baby!

Rinse!

Chop!

Rinsed, sliced, raw rhubarb freezes well in airtight containers or freezer-strength bags, for later use in muffins, pies, or fruit soup (see Naughty Note). To stew it, bring water and sugar just to the boil in a large saucepan, until sugar dissolves fully. Add cinnamon stick and rhubarb. Cover, reducing heat to medium-low. Cook about 7 min., until rhubarb is soft, checking to ensure pot doesn’t boil dry. 

Start stewing!

Serve hot or cold, either on its own or over yogurt, ice cream, or pound cake.

Oh, YUM!

Note: For a delicious rhubarb drink, follow recipe above, using 3/4 c. (180 mL) water instead of the lesser amount stated. Strain, chill, and pour liquid into glass. 

Eating - or drinking - rhubarb is good for you!

Rhubarb is high in dietary fiber. See:
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/rhubarb.html  Rhubarb’s health benefits include its ability to “aid weight loss, improve digestion, prevent Alzheimer’s disease, stimulate bone growth, avoid neuronal damage, increase skin health, prevent cancer, optimize metabolism, improve circulation, and protect against various cardiovascular conditions.” All of which sure sounds good to me!

Further Note: See this recipe for the world’s best Rhubarb Soup!