Strawberry compote

Strawberry compote – a sweet and aromatic delight, perfect for summer days or to add a touch of freshness to your desserts! This simple and quick recipe will bring you joy and flavor while preserving the unmistakable aroma of strawberries. Additionally, strawberry compote can be used in various ways: as a topping for ice cream, in pancakes, or simply enjoyed on its own.

Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4 jars (400 ml each)

### Ingredients:
- 750 g of fresh strawberries
- 250 g of sugar
- 800 ml of water
- 1 packet of vanilla (optional, for extra flavor)

### Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the strawberries: Start by washing the strawberries well under a stream of cold water. It is important to remove any impurities. Remove the stems and cut large strawberries in half or quarters to allow the flavors to release better into the syrup.

2. Preparing the syrup: In a medium-sized pot, add 800 ml of water and 250 g of sugar. Place the pot over low heat and stir occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. This is an important technique as you don’t want to caramelize the sugar, just to obtain a sweet syrup.

3. Boiling the syrup: Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat and let the syrup simmer gently. You will notice it starting to thicken slightly. This step is crucial to achieve a compote with a consistent and delicious syrup.

4. Adding the strawberries: When the syrup has started to boil, add the prepared strawberries. Gently stir to ensure all the fruits are well coated with syrup. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to minimum, allowing the compote to simmer for 10 minutes. It is important not to let it boil vigorously, as you want to maintain the texture of the strawberries.

5. Sterilizing the jars: While the strawberries are simmering, sterilize the jars. You can do this either by boiling them in water or using the oven. Make sure the jars are completely dry before filling them with compote.

6. Filling the jars: After the strawberries have simmered, use a ladle to carefully transfer the compote into the sterilized jars. Fill them almost to the top, leaving a small space for expansion.

7. Sealing the compote: Place the lids on the jars and turn them upside down for a few seconds. This trick will help create a vacuum that will keep the compote fresh for longer.

8. Cooling: Wrap the jars in a blanket and let them cool completely. This step is essential to avoid condensation inside the jars.

### Helpful tips:
- Choosing strawberries: Opt for ripe and fragrant strawberries to achieve a compote with an intense flavor. Frozen strawberries can be used, but the taste will not be as rich.
- Flavor variations: You can add a slice of lemon or a few mint leaves to the syrup for a fresh note. Additionally, a splash of lemon juice can help balance the sweetness.
- Serving: Strawberry compote is delicious served warm or cold, alongside Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream. You can also use the compote as a filling for cakes or tarts.

This strawberry compote is not only easy to make but also extremely versatile. Try it and enjoy its wonderful aroma throughout the year!