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Looking for a new way to cook up rhubarb? You’ll love this tender roasted rhubarb, a simple and versatile way to cook this tangy springtime favorite (without the need for a pie or crisp to act as our rhubarb vessel).
save this recipe!You can transform fresh rhubarb into a tender and flavorful treat with just a handful of ingredients. This easy-to-follow recipe yields beautifully roasted rhubarb that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with creamy vanilla yogurt, ice cream, or whipped cream.
Despite this being a stupid easy recipe, I used quite a lot of trial and error in developing it. But I’ll give you all my tips for making perfect roasted rhubarb. Let’s cook!
Reader rating
“This recipe is a really good go to – simple, the taste is great and you can make so many things from the product.” —Graham
Here’s What You’ll Need
Simple is the name of the game when it comes to these ingredients. Everything we’re using has the sole purpose of helping the rhubarb to shine! This is just an overview, jump to the recipe card for the full list.
- Rhubarb: The star of the recipe, rhubarb brings its unique tart and tangy flavor. Look for fresh rhubarb stalks that are firm and brightly colored.
- Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance out the natural tartness of rhubarb and helps to enhance the flavor and caramelization of the roasted rhubarb.
- Vanilla: Adds a touch of warmth and depth to the dish. The aromatic vanilla complements the tartness of the rhubarb.
- Lemon Zest: The lemon zest adds lemon flavor without adding much sour taste (there’s enough of that in the rhubarb!). Save the lemon juice for a different recipe (lemon risotto, anyone?).
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor by bringing out the natural sweetness of the rhubarb and balancing the tartness.
Pick the Right Rhubarb
Choose fresh rhubarb. Look for firm and crisp stalks of rhubarb that are bright in color. Avoid stalks that are wilted or have blemishes.
How to make Roasted Rhubarb
Here’s an overview of how to make roasted rhubarb. Jump to the recipe card for the full instructions.
Step 1: Prep
Preheat the oven to 400℉ (204℃). Cut the rhubarb into equal lengths to ensure that they cook evenly and consistently. Choosing a large baking dish that can accommodate the rhubarb allows for proper spacing and prevents overcrowding, ensuring that the rhubarb roasts evenly.
Step 2: Assemble
Take your freshly cut rhubarb and place it in a baking dish. Then, add the remaining ingredients: sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Use your hands to toss everything together, ensuring every piece of rhubarb gets coated with the sweet and tangy goodness.
Step 3: Bake
Pop the baking dish into the oven and let the rhubarb cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, though, as you want the rhubarb to be tender but not mushy. Be patient and resist the temptation to overcook it!
Step 4: Serve
After the rhubarb has finished cooking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. You can top it with the creamy goodness of vanilla yogurt, the indulgence of ice cream, or the fluffy perfection of whipped cream—the choice is yours!
my mistake = your success
When you overcook rhubarb, it becomes incredibly mushy. This is okay for rhubarb compotes and crisps, but it is not so lovely when you want roasted rhubarb that keeps its shape on the plate.
Flavor Variations
- Less Sweet: If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the sugar in the recipe.
- Add Warmth: Get creative with flavors by adding spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the rhubarb mixture.
- Brighten It: You can also experiment with adding a splash of orange juice or a sprinkle of grated ginger for a twist.
Storage
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The roasted rhubarb can be chilled as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, or you can blend it into a smoothie.
Serving Ideas
While the roasted rhubarb is delicious, you can enhance the experience by pairing it with different textures. Try serving it with any other of these contrasting textures.
- Quinoa Granola: This is hearty and easy to make. It’s perfect to have with rhubarb or anything else!
- Strawberry Oatmeal Cookie Bites: These mini cookies are bursting with flavor and are quick to whip up.
- Passion Fruit Mousse: This mousse’s creamy and tangy textures are delicious alongside this roasted rhubarb.
How To Make Roasted Rhubarb (Easy Rhubarb Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs rhubarb, 680 g
- ½ cup sugar, 100 g
- 1 tsp vanilla, 5 mL
- 1 lemon, just the zest, not the juice
- Pinch salt
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 400℉ (204℃). Rinse rhubarb and cut into equal lengths to fit in a large baking dish.
- Assemble: Place rhubarb in a baking dish, then add all remaining ingredients. Toss with your hands to combine everything.
- Cook: Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, just until rhubarb is tender. Do not overcook, as it will make the rhubarb mushy.
- Serve: Serve warm with vanilla yogurt, ice cream, or whipped cream.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.
did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what you’ve made!
this recipe is a really good go to – simple, the taste is great and you can make so many things from the product
So happy to hear you’re loving it, Graham! 😀