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
Canned purée delivers rich body and deep flavor, without the nonna-level cook time.
Yes, you can use the pre-cut squash.
Cut steak into cubes and suddenly it transforms into a quick-cooking protein.
Brussels sprouts are better with a crunchy Parmesan skirt.
The umami-packed pasta you'll be making all season long.
A fancy-feeling dish that comes together in 20 minutes.
Known as okayu, this Japanese comfort food will warm you from the inside out.
Sticky-sweet mall-style bourbon chicken gets a fall makeover.