by: Gerhild Fulson / Cookbook Author, Blogger, German Oma!
This fruit pudding recipe, the original Rote Grütze, is one of Schleswig-Holstein's traditional desserts. It could also be described as Germany's national dessert!
Traditionally made with just fresh red currants or a combination of red currants and raspberries, there are many variations possible. You can always use a mix of fruits or just stay with one type.
Some of these possibilities are ripe berries, such as strawberries, red or black currants, raspberries, cherries, cranberries, and even rhubarb can be used.
My favorite memories of this dessert are very recent. Our friends took us on a "must do" excursion: taking a walk to a Hallig which is part of the Schleswig-Holstein's Wattenmeer National Park.
This was a 6 km. walk from the beach to the Hallig (island) following the tide that was going out.
Hiking barefoot through the wet sand and navigating around the little sea creatures such as stingrays and areas of sharp shells, was quite an adventure.
Once on the Hallig, we rested with a cup of coffee and Rote Grütze, all the while keeping our eyes on the clock. Rested and nicely filled, we quickly hiked back to the mainland before the tide came back in.
My Mutti had this as well in her cookbook and my Papa's Mutti as well. She used freshly picked sour cherries for hers and served them with Griessknödel. :)
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There are several ways to make rote Grütze and I usually made it a more time-consuming way. I have since reworked the recipe to make it really quick and easy. That's the recipe you'll now find below.
Here I've made it with frozen mixed berries and served it over Heavenly Hash ice cream, hubby's favorite.
This fruit pudding recipe, the original Rote Grütze, is one of Schleswig-Holstein's traditional desserts. It could also be described as Germany's national dessert!
Traditionally made with just fresh red currants or a combination of red currants and raspberries, there are many variations possible.
Prep Time
10 minutes |
Cook Time
15 minutes |
Total Time25 minutes |
Makes 4 servings
1. In a saucepan, mix the cornstarch with the juice. Stir in the sugar.
2. Gently stir in the berries.
3. Bring to a simmer, gently stirring to keep from scorching. Simmer for one to three minutes, or until the fruit is softened, stirring constantly. Do not overcook.
4. Remove from heat and let cool. It will thicken slightly as it cools.
5. Serve warm or cold.
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Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com
09.09.2023 revision update
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