Tangy Rhubarb Sauce
Tangy rhubarb sauce features fresh rhubarb combined with orange and mustard flavors, perfect for glazing ham, topping desserts, or enjoying as a vibrant fruit sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove cinnamon stick.
- May be spooned over ham 15 minutes before end of cooking time or eaten as a sauce or over ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract. If fresh rhubarb isn’t available, frozen rhubarb can be used—just thaw and drain excess moisture. You can substitute lemon juice for orange juice for a different citrus flavor. Adjust the sugar based on the tartness of your rhubarb; taste as you go to find the perfect balance.
Serving Suggestions
This Tangy Rhubarb Sauce is delicious served warm over ham, particularly when added during the last 15 minutes of cooking. It also pairs beautifully over vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a refreshing dessert. For a complete meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. Consider serving with sides that complement its tangy flavor, such as a light salad or grain-based dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Tangy Rhubarb Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. This sauce can also be frozen for up to three months; just thaw in the fridge before use.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tangy Rhubarb Sauce contains roughly 533 calories, with 7g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before using, as frozen rhubarb can release more liquid during cooking. This will help maintain the desired consistency of your sauce.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
To adjust the sweetness of your Tangy Rhubarb Sauce, you can increase or decrease the amount of sugar based on your taste preference and the tartness of the rhubarb. Start with the recommended amount, then taste as it cooks and add more sugar if needed, stirring until dissolved.
What can I serve this sauce with besides ham?
Aside from ham, Tangy Rhubarb Sauce is great over ice cream, pancakes, or waffles. You can also use it as a topping for yogurt or cheesecake. For a unique twist, try it with savory dishes like grilled chicken or pork, enhancing those flavors with its tangy sweetness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).