What to Make with Dried Apricots? Delicious Recipes & Expert Tips

Estimated reading time: 22 minutes

Dried apricots those chewy, sun-kissed gems – are far more than just a healthy snack. They are a powerhouse of concentrated flavor, bringing a unique sweet-tartness and delightful texture to an incredible array of dishes. If you’ve ever wondered what to make with dry apricots or searched for the perfect dry apricot recipe, you’ve come to the right place. This ultimate guide will walk you through everything from preparation to creating mouthwatering sweet treats, savory masterpieces, and energizing snacks. Get ready to transform humble dried apricots into culinary stars!

Why Dried Apricots are a Kitchen Staple

Before we start with the recipes, let’s talk about why dried apricots are a great addition to your kitchen:

• Strong Taste: The drying process makes the natural sugars and acids in apricots stronger. This means dried apricots have a richer and more interesting taste than fresh ones.
• Wonderful Texture: They offer a satisfying chewiness that can add wonderful contrast to various dishes, from creamy desserts to hearty stews.
• Versatility: Dried apricots are very useful because they can be used in both-sweet and savory dishes.
• Long Shelf Life: Properly stored, they last for months, making them a convenient ingredient to have on hand.
• Nutritional Boost: Dried apricots are a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin A, and antioxidants.

Getting Started: Preparing Dried Apricots for Culinary Magic

To get the best out of your recipes with dried apricots, a little preparation can go a long way.

Choosing Your Apricots

You’ll primarily find two types:

• Turkish (Mediterranean) Apricots: Generally plumper, sweeter, and milder. They are often whole or halved.
• Californian Apricots: Tend to be tangier, more intensely flavored, and often sold halved.
• The choice often comes down to personal preference and the specific recipe. For general use, Turkish apricots are very versatile.

To Soak or Not to Soak? The Art of Rehydration

Do you need to soak dried apricots before using in recipes? It depends.

• For direct snacking or adding to trail mixes: No soaking needed.
• For compotes, stews, or purees: Soaking (rehydrating) plumps them up, makes them tender, and helps them blend or cook more evenly.
• For baking (like scones or muffins): Soaking can prevent them from drawing moisture out of the batter, keeping your baked goods moist. A quick soak or simply chopping them finely is often sufficient.

How to Rehydrate: Place dried apricots in a bowl and cover with hot (not-boiling) water or fruit juice (apple or orange works well). Let them sit for 15-30 minutes, or until softened. Drain before using, reserving the flavorful soaking liquid for your recipe if desired (it’s great in compotes or stews!).

Chopping and Dicing Like a Pro

Dried apricots can be sticky. To make chopping easier:

• Lightly oil your knife.
• Use kitchen shears.
• If very sticky, briefly freeze them for 10-15 minutes before chopping.

Sweet Sensations: Delightful Dried Apricot Dessert Recipes

Dried apricots lend a beautiful sweetness and tang to desserts. Here are some easy dry apricot recipe ideas for your sweet tooth:

1. Classic Dried Apricot Compote Recipe

A simple yet elegant dessert, perfect on its own, with yogurt, oatmeal, or as a topping for cakes.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup dried apricots, halved or quartered if large
  • 1.5 cups water (or a mix of water and orange juice)
  • 1/4 cup sugar (or to taste; honey or maple syrup can also be used)
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
  • 1 star anise (optional)
  • 1 strip of lemon or orange zest
• Instructions:
  1. If desired, soak apricots for 15-20 minutes in hot water, then drain.
  2. In a saucepan, combine apricots, water/juice, sugar, cinnamon stick, star anise, and citrus zest.
  3. Bring to a gentle-simmer over medium heat.
  4. Reduce-heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until apricots are very tender and the liquid has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally.
  5. Remove cinnamon stick, star anise, and zest before serving.
  6. Serve warm or chilled. This is a fantastic healthy dry apricot dessert recipe.

2. Luscious Homemade Dried Apricot Jam Recipe

Capture the intense flavor of dried apricots in a spreadable jam.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups dried apricots, finely chopped
  • 2 cups water
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Instructions:
  1. Combine chopped apricots and water in a saucepan. Let soak for at least 01 hour, or overnight, to soften.
  2. Bring the apricot and water mixture to a boil. Reduce-heat and simmer, covered, for 20-30 minutes, or until apricots are very tender.
  3. Stir in the sugar and lemon juice. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.
  4. Continue to boil, stirring-frequently, until the jam reaches its setting point (around 10-15 minutes). To test, place a small spoonful on a chilled-plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready.
  5. Remove from heat, skim-off any foam, and stir in vanilla extract if using.
  6. Carefully ladle into sterilized jars and seal.

3. Wholesome Dried Apricot & Oat Scones

Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (01 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped (soak briefly if very dry)
  • 1/4 cup rolled-oats (plus extra for sprinkling)
  • 3/4 cup milk or buttermilk
  • 01 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash, optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large-bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry-blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles-coarse crumbs.
  4. Stir in the chopped dried apricots and rolled oats.
  5. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk/buttermilk. Mix gently until just-combined – do not overmix.
  6. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured-surface. Pat into a 3/4-inch thick circle. Cut into 8 wedges.
  7. Place scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with egg wash (if using) and sprinkle with extra oats.
  8. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.

More Sweet Ideas Using Dried Apricots:

• Dried Apricot Muffins: Add chopped apricots to your favorite muffin batter.
• Dried Apricot Cookies: Incorporate into oatmeal cookies or shortbread.
• Dried Apricot Tarts & Pies: Use as a filling, often combined with apples or nuts.
• Dried Apricot Bread: A lovely addition to sweet breads or fruit loaves.

Savory Surprises: Transforming Meals with Dried Apricots

Don’t limit dried apricots to sweet dishes! Their tanginess and chewiness can beautifully complement savory flavors.

1. Aromatic Chicken Tagine with Apricots & Almonds

A classic Moroccan-inspired dish where dried apricots truly shine. This is a wonderful savory dry apricot recipe chicken option.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless-chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of saffron threads (optional)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup dried apricots, halved
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted (for garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Heat olive-oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season-chicken with salt and pepper and brown on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Add onion to the-pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and saffron (if using). Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
  3. Stir in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any browned-bits from the bottom of the pot.
  4. Return chicken to the pot. Add dried apricots. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Reduce-heat to low, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with toasted almonds and fresh cilantro/parsley. Couscous or rice makes a great accompaniment.

2. Hearty Apricot & Nut Stuffing (for Poultry or Vegetarian Bakes)

A flavorful stuffing that’s great with roasted chicken or as a filling for baked vegetables.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
  • 4 cups bread cubes (slightly stale bread works best)
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage or mixed herbs
  • 1.5 – 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven-to 375°F (190°C) if baking separately.
  2. Heat oil/butter in a large-skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery; cook until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
  3. Stir in chopped apricots and nuts; cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sage/herbs, salt, and pepper. Add the onion-apricot mixture.
  5. Gradually add broth, tossing gently, until the bread is moistened but not soggy.
  6. Use to stuff poultry or transfer to a greased-baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.

3. Vibrant Dried Apricot & Chickpea Salad

A refreshing and nutritious salad with Middle Eastern influences.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (15 oz) can-chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots, thinly sliced or chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
  • Dressing: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon-juice, 1 teaspoon honey or maple-syrup, salt and pepper to taste.
• Instructions:
  1. In a medium bowl, combine chickpeas, dried apricots, red onion, parsley, and mint.
  2. In a small-bowl, whisk together all dressing-ingredients.
  3. Pour dressing over the salad and toss-gently to combine.
  4. Let sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

More Savory Explorations:

Power Up Your Day: Easy Dried Apricot Snack Recipes

For a quick energy boost, these no bake dry apricot recipe snacks are perfect.

1. No-Bake Apricot Energy Balls

A healthy, customizable, and kid-friendly snack.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup dried apricots
  • 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded-coconut (plus extra for rolling)
  • 1/4 cup almonds, walnuts, or pecans (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chia-seeds or flax seeds (optional)
  • 1-2 tablespoons water, if needed to bind
  • Optional flavorings: 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, pinch of cinnamon
• Instructions:
  1. If apricots are very dry, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
  2. Combine apricots, oats, coconut, nuts (if using), and seeds (if using) in a food processor.
  3. Pulse until the mixture is finely-chopped and starts to come together. If it’s too dry, add water, 01 teaspoon at a time, until it holds its shape when pressed.
  4. Roll the mixture into small balls (about 01 inch).
  5. If desired, roll the balls in extra-shredded coconut.
  6. Store in an airtight-container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

The Perfect Match: Flavor Pairings for Dried Apricots

Dried apricots have a versatile flavor profile that pairs beautifully with many ingredients:

• Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, star anise, cloves, vanilla.
• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans.
• Herbs (especially for savory): Rosemary, thyme, sage, mint, cilantro, parsley.
• Fruits: Oranges, lemons, apples, cranberries, dates.
• Dairy: Yogurt, cream cheese, goat cheese, brie.
• Other: Oats, honey, maple syrup, chocolate (especially dark or white).

Pro Tips for Cooking & Baking with Dried Apricots

• Quality Matters: Choose plump, moist-looking dried apricots for the best flavor and texture.
• Even Chopping: For even distribution in baked goods, try to chop apricots uniformly.
• Don’t Overcrowd: When adding to stews or tagines, ensure they have enough liquid to plump up.
• Balance Sweetness: Dried apricots are naturally sweet. Adjust sugar in recipes accordingly.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to add chopped dried apricots to your favorite salads, grain bowls, or even homemade granola.

Storing Dried Apricots and Your Delicious Creations

• Dried Apricots: Store in an airtight-container in a cool, dark, dry place for up to 6-12 months. For longer-storage, they can be refrigerated or frozen.
• Cooked Dishes: Store dishes containing dried apricots (like compotes or tagines) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
• Baked Goods: Store according to the specific recipe, usually at room temperature in an airtight container for a few days or longer in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dried Apricot Recipes

Get Creative with Dried Apricots!

Dried apricots are a wonderfully versatile ingredient, ready to add a touch of sunshine and sophisticated flavor to your kitchen creations. From simple snacks to elaborate desserts and savory meals, the possibilities for dried apricot recipes are nearly endless. We hope this guide has inspired you to explore the many delicious ways to cook with these fantastic fruits. Happy cooking!

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