Rhubarb Delights: From Savory BBQ Sauce to Sweet Desserts

Rhubarb is more versatile than you might think. This unique and tangy vegetable is not just for pies and crumbles as many assume. From savory barbecue sauces to sweet desserts, there’s a myriad of ways to enjoy rhubarb. Here, we explore its amazing potential and share some mouth-watering recipes.

Savory Rhubarb Uses: A Unique Barbecue Sauce

Believe it or not, rhubarb can be a stunning addition to barbecue sauces. In my experience, substituting half the onions with rhubarb in a pulled pork recipe not only adds a burst of flavor but also a surprising texture. I was pleasantly surprised to find that a rhubarb-infused sauce brought a new level of complexity to my barbecue dishes.

While rhubarb is primarily used as a sweet ingredient in desserts, it can be equally delightful in savory creations. To create a rhubarb barbecue sauce, you’ll need:

Rhubarb Onions (or less as the rhubarb will take up some of their space) Stock (beef, chicken, or vegetable) Ketchup Hoisin sauce Apple cider vinegar Brown sugar Food processor (optional)

Begin by washing and quartering the rhubarb. Cut the poisonous leaves off the base of the plant and discard them. Then, place the rhubarb and some of the sliced onions in a crock pot, adding a cup of your preferred stock for moisture. Let this cook for a while until the rhubarb softens. Once done, remove the meat from the crock pot and cover it. Strain the liquid and simmer the rhubarb until it becomes viscous. Add the ketchup, hoisin sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Simmer until the sauce has reduced by half. Pour this mixture into a food processor and blend until smooth, then add it back to the pulled pork.

Sweet Rhubarb Desserts: A Treat for the Sweet Tooth

Rhubarb desserts offer a delightful balance between tangy and sweet. Whether served as a cake, ice cream, or a crumble, rhubarb can be a delightful ingredient in your sweet dishes.

Naturally, there are many variations of rhubarb desserts. For instance, a rhubarb upside-down cake can be a nice addition to any dessert menu. Another favorite of mine is a strawberry-rhubarb crisp. A combination of rhubarb and strawberries is a classic pairing that always hits the spot and feels like a sweet indulgence.

Delish Rhubarb Combinations: From Salads to Puddings

The possibilities with rhubarb are endless. Here are a few more exciting combinations you may want to try:

Custard ice cream Crumble cream Fromage frais Strawberries Raspberries Caramel Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, peaches) Salmon or pork (as a glaze) Lamb shoulder (as part of a Persian stew) Victoria sponge Steam pudding Apple Cinnamon Pear Sweet dessert crumbles (with shortbread and clotted cream or with oats and whisky)

As you can see, rhubarb can be combined with a variety of sweet and savory ingredients to create unique and delicious dishes.

Conclusion

Rhubarb is more than just a pie ingredient. Its versatility can elevate everything from simple barbecue sauces to gourmet desserts. Experiment with rhubarb and discover how this unique vegetable can transform your culinary skills into something truly exceptional. Happy cooking!