Seasonal Ingredient of the Week: Rhubarb
Seasonal Ingredient of the Week: Rhubarb – A Tangy Delight for Winter Dishes
At The Fig Pantry, we love celebrating the vibrant and seasonal ingredients that come with each time of year, and this week, we’re excited to spotlight the tangy, tart, and truly versatile rhubarb. Known for its bright pink stalks and sharp flavour, rhubarb is one of those ingredients that can transform both sweet and savoury dishes into something extraordinary.
Why Rhubarb?
Rhubarb may seem like an odd vegetable due to its tart taste, but it is actually often treated as a fruit in the kitchen because of its sweetness when cooked with sugar. In the winter months, rhubarb is usually at its peak, making it a fantastic addition to your meals. It’s high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin K, offering a host of health benefits while giving a distinctive flavor to your dishes. Whether you are adding it to a dessert or pairing it with savory elements like pork or duck, rhubarb never fails to impress.
Poached Rhubarb Recipe – A Simple and Delicious Treat
If you’ve never worked with rhubarb before, this poached rhubarb recipe is a great place to start. It’s easy, quick, and creates a vibrant, tangy side or topping for your dishes. Serve it with a dollop of cream or atop your favourite dessert for a burst of flavour.
Ingredients:
4 large rhubarb stalks, chopped into 2-inch pieces
200g caster sugar
50ml grenadine/raspberry syrup
1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
1 cinnamon stick
400ml water
Zest of 1 orange
Method:
In a medium saucepan, combine the rhubarb, grenadine, sugar, vanilla pod, cinnamon stick and water. Stir gently to mix the ingredients and bring to a gentle simmer.
Remove the pan from the heat, place the rhubarb in the pan and let it sit overnight in the poaching liquid.
Refrigerate it to use in desserts, breakfast dishes, or even as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
Pro Tip: You can experiment with different flavorings like ginger or star anise to add complexity to the poached rhubarb.
Private Dining and Catering Services – Let Us Bring Rhubarb to Your Table
At The Fig Pantry, we pride ourselves on creating bespoke private dining experiences that showcase seasonal ingredients like rhubarb in creative and delicious ways. Whether you're hosting a family gathering, a corporate event, or simply want to enjoy a special meal at home, our private chef service is the perfect solution. We are delighted to offer private dining and catering services in Somerset, including areas like Bridgwater, Bristol, and Taunton.
Imagine enjoying a beautifully created dinner in the comfort of your own home, with a menu tailored to your tastes and preferences. Our chefs can create custom meals that highlight seasonal ingredients such as rhubarb, ensuring your dining experience is not only flavourful but also a feast for the eyes.
Why Choose The Fig Pantry?
Tailored Menus: We design menus that reflect your style and dietary preferences, using fresh, seasonal ingredients like rhubarb, local produce, and sustainably sourced items.
Private Dining Experience: Whether it's an intimate dinner for two or a larger celebration, we bring the restaurant experience to your home.
Corporate Catering: Impress clients and colleagues with bespoke corporate catering options. We offer a range of menu choices for meetings, events, and corporate gatherings.
Professional Service: Our team of experienced chefs and waitstaff provide impeccable service, ensuring your event goes off without a hitch.
If you’re located in Bridgwater, Bristol, Taunton, or anywhere across Somerset and the South West, we can bring our hospitality expertise to your doorstep. Whether it's preparing a poached rhubarb dessert for a special event or creating a complete menu for a celebration, we’re here to make your occasion memorable.
Book Your Private Chef Experience Today
Why not make your next event even more special with the delicious flavours of rhubarb? From intimate private dining to corporate events, The Fig Pantry offers expert catering services and a personalized private chef experience that will leave your guests delighted. Contact us today to discuss your next event, and let us handle all the details so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the flavours of the season.
Get in touch with us at The Fig Pantry to plan your next private dining experience in Somerset. We look forward to cooking for you!
