Indulge in the delightful symphony of flavors with our exquisite poached pears, a culinary masterpiece that harmoniously blends the essence of sweet and savory. These elegant pears are gently simmered in a aromatic bath of red wine, sugar, peppercorns, and bay leaves, resulting in a tender texture and a captivating depth of flavor. As the pears absorb the rich liquid, they transform into a blushing masterpiece, their skin glistening with a radiant hue.
Accompanying the poached pears are three delectable variations that elevate this classic dessert to new heights. The first variation introduces the vibrant flavors of ginger and cardamom, creating a warm and comforting symphony of spices. The second variation embraces the tangy sweetness of cranberries, adding a burst of color and a delightful tartness. Lastly, the third variation showcases the nutty richness of pistachios, offering a textural contrast and a touch of elegance.
Whether you prefer the classic poached pears or are enticed by the tantalizing variations, this recipe promises an unforgettable culinary experience. With its simple yet sophisticated ingredients and straightforward preparation, this dish is sure to impress even the most discerning palate. So, embark on a culinary journey and discover the enchanting flavors that await you in this delightful collection of poached pear recipes.
EASY POACHED PEARS
Bosc pears, available through April, become tender yet hold their shape well when poached. A spice-infused syrup gives them a pie-like flavor.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, combine lemon zest, cinnamon stick, allspice, ground pepper, apple cider, and water.
- Add pears. Cover with waxed paper to prevent discoloring. Bring to a simmer. Cook, turning pears occasionally, until easily pierced with the tip of a paring knife, but not falling apart, about 20 minutes. Remove pears from liquid; transfer to large bowl.
- Raise heat to high; boil cider mixture until reduced to a syrup, about 15 minutes. Discard cinnamon. Pour syrup over pears; refrigerate. To serve, slice off a sliver from the bottom of each pear (so it stands upright). Serve pears with lemon sorbet, if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 128 g, Fat 1 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 1 g
POACHED PEARS WITH PEPPER AND BAY LEAF
Steps:
- Peel pears, cut in half vertically and remove cores. Place pears in bowl with juice of one-half lemon and enough water to cover. Set aside.
- Place remaining lemon juice in large, heavy saucepan with wine, sugar, water, peppercorns and bayleaf. Bring to boil, lower heat and simmer 20 minutes.
- Drain pears and add them. Simmer 10 to 15 minutes, until just tender. Transfer pears to bowl with slotted spoon; be sure to drain well.
- Boil down cooking liquid until about three-quarters cup, 10 minutes or so. Remove from heat, discard bay leaf; stir in eau de vie. Pour over pears; serve at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 411, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 87 grams, Fat 0 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 1 gram, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 14 milligrams, Sugar 71 grams
CASSIS & BAY-BAKED PEARS WITH BLACKBERRIES
Impress dinner guests with this grown-up dessert. Pears are wonderful for soaking up flavours - here that's cassis, red wine, blackberry and bay leaves
Provided by Diana Henry
Categories Dessert
Time 55m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Halve the pears - you don't need to peel or core them - and put them, cut-side up, in a baking dish in which the fruit can sit quite snugly in a single layer. Pour the cassis and red wine over the pears, sprinkle with the sugar and tuck the bay leaves under the fruit.
- Bake - spooning the juices over the pears from time to time - until the fruits are tender right through to the centre (how long this takes depends on the ripeness of the fruit; start checking after 20 mins, but it could take as long as 45 mins). It's a good idea to turn the pears over a couple of times while they're cooking so that they are cut-side down in the liquor for part of the cooking time.
- By the time the fruit is cooked, the juice around it won't be thick, but should be syrupy and sweet enough to serve as it is. If you don't think it is, then remove the pears and bay leaves and reduce the juices by boiling them for a little while, leave to cool, then pour them back into the dish with the pears. Leave at room temperature and add the berries about 30 mins before you want to serve, spooning the juices over them, otherwise they get very soft sitting in the red wine syrup.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 213 calories, Fat 0.2 grams fat, Carbohydrate 31 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 31 grams sugar, Fiber 5 grams fiber, Protein 1 grams protein, Sodium 0.02 milligram of sodium
Tips:
- To achieve perfectly tender pears, select ripe yet firm ones. Avoid pears that are too soft or have bruises.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and prevent scorching.
- Adjust the amount of water and sugar in the poaching liquid based on your desired sweetness level. For a tangy twist, add a splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar.
- Gently handle the pears while poaching to prevent them from breaking apart. Use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer them to a serving dish once cooked.
- For a more intense flavor, poach the pears in red wine or apple cider instead of water.
- Store leftover poached pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion:
Poached pears are a classic dessert that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of accompaniments. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create this elegant and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Experiment with different poaching liquids and spices to find your favorite combination. Serve poached pears warm or chilled, topped with whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of honey for an extra special treat.
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