RHUBARB SORBET WITH GINGERED ORANGE COMPOTE

Rhubarb Sorbet with Gingered Orange Compote image

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups water
8 cups 1/2-inch-thick slices trimmed rhubarb (3 pounds untrimmed)
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup pomegranate juice*
2 1/2 tablespoons Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 large navel oranges
2/3 cup orange juice
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup thinly sliced peeled fresh ginger (about 2 1/2 ounces)
1 cinnamon stick
Available at Middle Eastern and natural food stores.

Steps:

Bring sugar and water to boil in heavy medium saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cool syrup.
Stir rhubarb, orange juice and 3/4 cup syrup in large saucepan over medium heat until rhubarb falls apart and mixture thickens slightly, about 15 minutes. Purée in processor. Press through strainer into large bowl, leaving any fibers behind. Mix pomegranate juice, liqueur, salt and 3/4 cup sugar into purée. (Reserve remaining syrup for another use.) Chill until cold.
Process rhubarb mixture in ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions. Transfer sorbet to container; cover and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours. (Can be made 2 days ahead.)
Cut peel and white pith from oranges. Working over medium bowl and using small sharp knife, cut between membranes to release segments.
Mix 2/3 cup orange juice, sugar, ginger and cinnamon in small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer 3 minutes to blend flavors. Cover; cool 5 minutes. Strain syrup into medium bowl. Drain orange segments; add to syrup and cool completely.
Spoon compote into shallow bowls or wine glasses. Top with sorbet.