Berry Apple Grunt

Recipe from ed&bv.  Blueberry Grunt is a traditional recipe from Atlantic Canada. My vegan adaptation is made with a blend of blueberries, strawberries, apples, and without white flour or white sugar. Serve with non-dairy ice cream, vanilla yogurt, Celestial Cream (p.29 ed&bv) or Macadamia Maple Butter Cream (p. 201 ed&bv).

Fruit Base:
2 cups frozen or fresh blueberries (see note)
1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries (or raspberries, or more blueberries)
1 – 1½ cups apple, cored and peeled, and chopped into small chunks
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1/3 – ½ cup water (use extra with more apples)
½ – 1 tsp zest
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
couple pinches sea salt (about 1/16 tsp)

Batter Topping:
¾ cup barley or oat flour
1/2 cup spelt flour
1/4 cup unrefined sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1⁄4 tsp sea salt
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp freshly ground nutmeg
1/3 cup plain or vanilla non-dairy milk
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp canola oil

To prepare batter topping: In a large bowl, combine flours, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a small bowl, combine milk, vanilla, lemon zest, and oil. Add wet mixture to dry and stir, until just well combined. The batter should be fairly thick. To prepare fruit mixture: In a large saucepan (that can be fitted with a lid) on medium-high heat, combine all ingredients. Stir occasionally as mixture comes to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, for 3–4 minutes. Remove lid, scoop large spoonfuls of batter, and gently drop into fruit mixture. (The scoops can be uneven, since these “dumplings” will expand to touch as they cook.) Continue until all batter is used, filling any exposed areas in fruit mixture. Cover with lid and cook for another 13 minutes (do not remove cover!). Remove cover, and if a toothpick inserted in center of a dumpling comes out clean, it is ready, otherwise cover and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving. Serves 4-6.

Note: For a more traditional blueberry grunt, use only blueberries (4–4½ cups) instead of a blend of fruits. 

(photo courtesy of Susan from http://kittensgonelentil.blogspot.com)