Easy Grape Sauce With Concord Grapes

If you’re looking for a simple way to turn fresh Concord grapes into a tasty sauce, you’ve come to the right place. This easy grape sauce is perfect for spreading on toast, adding to desserts, or even using as a topping for meats.

With just a few steps, you’ll have a sweet, flavorful sauce that’s packed with the natural goodness of Concord grapes. Let’s get started!

How To Make Grape Sauce

Grape Sauce Ingredients

It’s easy to make your own grape sauce with grapes and honey or maple syrup, which is optional:

5 cups concord grapes

Organic Honey: 1 tbsp per cup of grapes

Maple Syrup: 1 tbsp per cup of grapes

Adjust sweetness to your preference. If you like a bit sweeter, add more and if you prefer a tart sauce then do not add any extra sweetener.

Grape Sauce Instructions

1. Prepare the Grapes: Begin by washing 5 cups of fresh Concord grapes thoroughly. Remove the stems.

2. Cook the Grapes: In a large saucepan, combine the cleaned grapes with 1/3 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the grapes become soft and start to break apart.

3. Mash and Strain: As the grapes cook, use a fork to mash them up a bit so that the seeds get separated. After mashing, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a heat safe bowl. Press down firmly to extract as much juice as possible from the grape pulp. Be careful because the grapes are hot.

Tip: Using the bottom of a measuring cup helps get the pulp juice through the strainer. I find that going in a circular motion while pressing down works fantastic.

4. Reduce the Sauce: Return the strained juice to the saucepan, making sure there are no seeds that might have been missed. Simmer the juice over low heat, stirring occasionally every 15 minutes. Continue to simmer until the sauce reduces and thickens to your desired consistency. For a thicker sauce, it will take up to two hours to thicken and get the extra moisture out.

5. Add The Honey: Now you can add the honey or maple syrup if you want to sweeten up your grape sauce.

6. Cool and Store: Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature once it has reached the right thickness. Transfer the cooled sauce to a clean jar or container and store it in the refrigerator. It should keep for up to 2 weeks, ready for you to enjoy in various dishes!

Tips For Making Thick Grape Sauce

1. Use Fresh Concord Grapes

Fresh Concord grapes are ideal for making thick grape sauce because they contain natural pectin, which helps with thickening. Be sure to wash the grapes thoroughly and remove the stems before cooking. The fresher the grapes, the better the flavor and texture of your sauce.

2. Simmer Low and Slow

To get a thick sauce without adding thickeners, it’s important to simmer the grapes over low heat for an extended period. Cooking the sauce slowly allows the water to evaporate, concentrating the flavors and naturally thickening the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.

3. Reduce the Sauce Further if Needed

If your sauce isn’t thick enough after the initial cooking, simply return it to the stove and continue simmering. The longer it cooks, the more it will reduce and thicken. Just keep an eye on the heat to avoid overcooking or burning the sauce.

What To Use Grape Sauce For

1. Spread on Toast or Biscuits

Grape sauce makes a delicious spread for breakfast. The thick sauce adds a burst of flavor and pairs perfectly with butter or cream cheese.

2. Mix into Overnight Oats

It adds natural sweetness and a rich grape flavor, making your oats more exciting. This is a great way to change up your regular breakfast routine with minimal effort. Here’s our Concord Grapes Overnight Oats recipe.

3. Drizzle Over Pancakes or Waffles

Use your thick grape sauce as a topping for pancakes or waffles instead of syrup. The sauce’s sweetness and tangy flavor balance well with the fluffy texture of the pancakes, giving you a delicious morning treat that’s full of flavor.

4. Serve as a Topping for Yogurt

Add grape sauce to plain or vanilla yogurt for a healthy snack or breakfast. The rich flavor of the sauce pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of yogurt. Sprinkle some granola or nuts on top for added crunch and nutrition.

5. Use as a Glaze for Meats

Grape sauce can be used as a glaze for meats like pork, chicken, or even beef. The sweetness of the sauce complements the savory flavors of the meat, adding a nice balance of taste. Brush it on during the last few minutes of grilling or roasting for a flavorful finish.

Thank you for reading! I hope you found these tips and ideas helpful for making and using grape sauce. Happy cooking, and enjoy experimenting with your homemade grape sauce!