Skip to main content

Orange-Rhubarb Sauce

This sauce bridges two seasons—it marries the citrus fruit of winter and spring’s rhubarb. Its delicate color and bright flavor makes it the ideal accompaniment to Ricotta Cheesecake with Orange and Aniseed (page 55).

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 2 cups (500 ml)

Ingredients

1 cup (250 ml) orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
1/2 cup (100 g) sugar, or more to taste
3/4 pound (340 g) rhubarb, leaves trimmed, and stems cut into 1/4-inch (6-mm) slices (about 3 cups)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, sugar, and rhubarb pieces. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, then remove from the heat, cover, and let stand until the rhubarb is tender, about 10 minutes.

    Step 2

    In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, or in a blender, purée the rhubarb and its cooking liquid until smooth. Taste for sweetness and add more sugar, if desired.

  2. Storage

    Step 3

    This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Cover of David Lebovitz's Ready for Dessert featuring plates of cookies and a glass of milk.
Reprinted with permission from Ready for Dessert: My Best Recipes, copyright 2010 by David Lebovitz. Published by Ten Speed Press. All Rights Reserved. Buy the full book at Amazon or Bookshop.
Read More
Invert the ratio of gin to vermouth for a party-friendly and slightly lighter drinking experience.
No grill needed for this just-charred-enough sweet and spicy chicken.
Like tiny tomato galettes and grilled shrimp with chimichurri.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Loosely inspired by pasta Amatriciana, a few pounds of zucchini stand in for tomatoes.
Like swordfish steaks with tomatoes and Peruvian-style tofu.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.