Sauteed Quince Recipe

Hey foodies! Today I’m diving into the magical world of quinces, transforming this overlooked fruit into a cozy, cinnamon-kissed delight that’s like snuggling up in a flannel blanket on a crisp autumn afternoon. Let’s get cooking! 🍂🥄

Transforming quinces into something extraordinary is my passion. When I do it, I sauté the fruit with unsalted butter and honey.

And when I flavor it with cinnamon and nutmeg, I know I’m making a treat that comes close to a dessert. The combination is tempting (and warm!), but then I realized: why not add even more flavor and put this unlikely fruit to work in a savory dish?

Sauteed Quince Recipe Ingredients

• Quinces: High fiber fruit, offering a natural sweetness with a slightly tart flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a smooth texture, enhancing the fruit’s flavor.
• Honey: Natural sweetener with antioxidants, providing a floral, sweet taste.
• Ground Cinnamon: Aromatic spice, offering warmth and depth with potential health benefits.
• Ground Nutmeg: Adds a sweet, earthy flavor, complementing the cinnamon.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and provides acidity, balancing the sweetness.

Sauteed Quince Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 large quinces
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup water or apple juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

How to Make this Sauteed Quince Recipe

1. Cut and core the quinces, then slice them into thin wedges. Handle in same manner as for peeling, coring, and slicing the pears.

2. Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it starts to bubble.

3. Add the quince to the skillet. Stir and coat evenly in melted butter.

4. Dust the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt over the quinces, stirring to mix.

5. Spoon the honey onto the quinces and mix them well. Be sure to coat every inch of the fruit, and don’t stop until you’ve melted the honey well into the butter.

6. Add the water or apple juice, and bring the mixture to a simmer.

7. Reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and allow the quinces to cook for roughly 20–25 minutes, stirring now and then, until they are soft and golden.

8. Take off the lid and turn up the heat a little to let the leftover liquid cook off and allow the quinces to brown.

9. After the liquid has decreased and the quinces are shining, take it off the heat and combine with the lemon juice, mixing thoroughly.

10. Should you wish, you can add the vanilla extract and mix it in. The sautéed quinces are delightful served warm, either as a side dish or, with a sweet sauce drizzled over them, as a dessert. If you’d prefer a thicker sauce, you could mix in some cream cheese after blending the sauce.

Sauteed Quince Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Paring knife or corer
3. Large skillet with lid
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cups
7. Small bowl or cup (for lemon juice)

FAQ

• Can I substitute the quince with another fruit?The flavor and texture of a quincunx are unmatched, but if you can’t find them, try using firm pears or apples for a different twist.
• Do I need to peel the quinces before cooking?Quinces must be peeled. Their usual tough, slightly fuzzy skin can really affect the dish’s texture. They are nothing like apples or pears in this respect.
• Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?Indeed, maple syrup or agave nectar can serve as substitutes for honey, but the flavor may be altered slightly.
• Is it possible to make this dish vegan?You can indeed swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and make a substitution for honey in the recipe. Both Ingredient Substitutions Butter for Plant-Based Alternatively, use a solid plant-based butter. Sweetener for Honey Alternatively, use agave syrup.
• What is the purpose of adding lemon juice?Adding a bit of acidity with the lemon juice balances the sweetness and amplifies the natural flavor of the quince.
• Can this dish be prepared in advance?
  Yes, sautéed quinces can be prepared a day ahead. Store in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving.
• Is vanilla extract necessary?Adding a pleasant aroma and enhancing the overall flavor of the sautéed quinces, optional vanilla extract is the perfect complement to this dish.

Sauteed Quince Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitutes for quinces in cooking include pears and apples, which share a similar texture and level of sweetness.
Butter without salt: Olive oil or coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free substitute for butter.
Sweeteners: For a different sweetener profile, you can use maple syrup or agave syrup instead of honey.
Cinnamon: You can use pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice in its place. They add similar warm flavors and even more complexity.
Lime juice, apple cider vinegar, or another ingredient with acidity can substitute for lemon juice if lemon juice is not on hand.

Pro Tips

1. Pre-treat the Quinces: Before slicing, you can blanch the quinces in boiling water for a few minutes. This makes peeling easier and helps soften them before cooking.