Wild Blueberry Grunt is a traditional Maritime dessert that has been delighting families for generations. This sweet and comforting treat is a perfect blend of juicy wild blueberries, tender biscuit dough, and a hint of warm spices. The grunt’s unique name comes from the delightful “grunt” sounds the blueberries make as they simmer under the dumplings. This dessert is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Nova Scotia and New England, where it is often served warm, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- : 4 cups (fresh or frozen)
- Sugar: 1 cup
- Water: 1 cup
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (optional)
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cold Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (cubed)
- Buttermilk: 1 cup
- Vanilla Ice Cream: for serving (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the Blueberry Mixture: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the wild blueberries, sugar, water, and ground cinnamon. Stir until the fruit is well coated. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the blueberries have released their juices and the liquid is syrupy.
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Make the Dumpling Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Using your fingers, cut the cold butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the buttermilk until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
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Drop the Dumplings: Once the blueberry mixture is simmering, use a spoon to drop heaping tablespoons of the dumpling dough into the hot berries. Cover the pot with a large square of parchment paper and then cover it tightly with the lid.
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Steam the Dumplings: Continue to simmer the berries for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This will allow the dumplings to steam and cook through.
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Serve: Remove the lid and carefully lift off the parchment paper. The top of the paper will be quite wet from condensation, so be mindful not to let it spill into the pot. Serve the blueberry grunt warm from the pot, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Top Tips
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Use Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: Both fresh and frozen wild blueberries work well in this recipe. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them first.
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Don’t Overmix the Dough: The dumpling dough should be soft and sticky but not overworked. This will ensure that the dumplings are light and fluffy.
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Use Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and buttermilk are crucial for creating a tender biscuit-like texture in the dumplings.
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Cover Tightly: Make sure the pot is covered tightly to trap the steam and cook the dumplings evenly.
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Serve Immediately: The best time to serve blueberry grunt is immediately after cooking, while the dumplings are still warm and the blueberries are syrupy.
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Experiment with Spices: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of lemon zest to the blueberry mixture can enhance the flavor profile of the grunt.
Variations
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Maple Blueberry Grunt: Add a drizzle of maple syrup to the blueberry mixture for a rich and sweet flavor.
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Lemon Blueberry Grunt: Add a touch of lemon zest or juice to the dough or filling for a refreshing zing.
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Almond Blueberry Grunt: Add a handful of slivered almonds to the dough or sprinkle them atop the finished grunt for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
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Ginger Blueberry Grunt: Add a bit of fresh grated ginger or ground ginger to the dough or filling for a warming and spicy kick.
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Cinnamon Swirl Grunt: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top of the dumplings before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
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Nutty Crunch Grunt: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts on top of the finished grunt for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Guide
| Nutrient | Per Serving (6 servings) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 392 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 64g |
| Protein | 6g |
Additional Nutritional Notes: Blueberry grunt is a relatively low-calorie dessert option, making it a great choice for those looking to indulge without overdoing it. The high fiber content from the wild blueberries and the whole wheat flour in the dumpling dough also make it a nutritious treat. However, if you’re watching your sugar intake, consider reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe or using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
