Some time ago I had very ripe oranges but I didn’t want to make the classic jam that requires a lot of sugar; instead I wanted a very easy orange compote with very little sugar. I found many recipes online, especially the classic English marmalade, but they were all very time-consuming.
Then I came across some recipes that didn’t require the use of pectin because it’s already present in the white part under the orange peel, which I didn’t know. So I ended up using only two ingredients, water excluded! One recipe in particular caught my eye and I used it for the ingredients and the procedure but I simplified it further, reducing work and preparation time to only 5 minutes.
Result: it’s not a jam but it’s definitely a very easy orange compote and vegan, full of fruit pieces, a bit bitter just like marmalade and it costs only 1 Weight Watchers point for a generous portion: I’m happy because I’ve already made it many times. Here’s how I did it.
For other fruit compotes read here:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very economical
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Cooking time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
- Portions: about 18 oz total (520 g total)
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter and Spring
Ingredients
- 4 oranges (ripe, with untreated skins)
- 8 tbsp sugar (about 8 measuring tablespoons (≈110 g))
- 1 1/4 cup water
- Total points (520 g ≈ 18 oz) = 12 WW points
- Generous portion (40 g ≈ 1.4 oz) = 1 WW point
Tools
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Pot
- Wooden spoon
- Jars
Steps
Wash the oranges very well and remove the tougher top cap. Cut the oranges, peel included, into small pieces, removing only any seeds and the inner white pith.
Put everything in a large pot and barely cover with water. Put the lid on and wait for it to start boiling.
Cook over low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Add the sugar and stir well. Cover, wait for it to come to a boil again and let it simmer over low heat for another hour or until it reaches the consistency you desire.
I let it reduce a lot and obtained about 520 g (about 18 oz) in total.
Our orange compote is ready! You can let it cool or pack it immediately into jars to be sterilized. I prepared two jars: one to use right away and one I froze. In any case, if kept in the fridge it will last up to 4-5 days.
The final consistency is a very personal matter: I liked it quite thick so you can feel pieces under your teeth, but if you prefer it more liquid just cook it a bit less or, after the two hours of cooking, add a little water until you reach the desired consistency. You can also use an immersion blender to mash it more: use it in short bursts, otherwise it will become a purée!
Regarding the flavor: this orange compote is delicious: pleasantly bitter and fantastic spread on bread or even better over a layer of light creamy cheese.
Try it: making it is incredibly simple and if you like it sweeter just increase the sugar a little and count the extra points. If I’d known before that making an orange compote was this easy, I would have avoided spending so much on very expensive organic jams. I’m looking forward to your opinion…
Enjoy!
by Giovanna Buono
Notes and storage
This compote keeps in the fridge for 4-5 days or you can freeze it for at least 5 months. You can also sterilize the jars so it will last much longer outside the fridge.
Source: Marmalade is way easier than it looks
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I use more sugar?
Certainly you can, but don’t overdo it. Remember that every 10 grams (about 0.35 oz) of extra sugar you add will increase the total by 1 WW point. Then divide by the number of desired portions.
