Poached Pears
Elevate your dessert game with these elegant Poached Pears, a classic yet simple treat that's as stunning as it is delicious. This easy recipe combines firm, ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou with a fragrant infusion of vanilla bean, cinnamon, star anise, and a hint of zesty lemon for a perfectly spiced and aromatic poaching liquid. Optional dry white wine adds a sophisticated depth of flavor, while the light syrup created during cooking doubles as a luscious finishing touch. Gently simmered to tender perfection in just 30 minutes, these poached pears make an impressive centerpiece for any meal—serve them warm, chilled, or at room temperature with a drizzle of syrup and a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Perfect for dinner parties, holiday feasts, or an indulgent weeknight treat, this recipe is a delightful balance of simplicity and elegance, keeping your guests coming back for more.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 whole Pears (firm and ripe, such as Bosc or Anjou)
- 4 cups Water
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 whole Vanilla bean (split lengthwise)
- 1 whole Cinnamon stick
- 2 whole Star anise
- 1 whole Lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 cup Dry white wine (optional, can substitute with more water)
Instructions
Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. Use a melon baller or small spoon to scoop out the core from the bottom of each pear.
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, vanilla bean, cinnamon stick, star anise, lemon zest, lemon juice, and white wine (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
Place the peeled pears upright in the saucepan. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the liquid. If needed, add a bit more water to cover them.
Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid slightly ajar. Simmer the pears for 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a knife. Rotate the pears occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Once cooked, remove the pears from the saucepan using a slotted spoon and set them aside to cool slightly.
Increase the heat to medium-high and boil the poaching liquid until it reduces by about half, forming a flavorful syrup. This may take 8-10 minutes.
Serve the pears warm, room temperature, or chilled. Drizzle the reduced syrup over the top and garnish with additional spices, whipped cream, or ice cream, if desired.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, submerged in the syrup, for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1427 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.7 g | 3% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 53 mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 327.4 g | 119% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.8 g | 103% | |
| Total Sugars | 271.8 g | ||
| Protein | 5.1 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 242 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 6.0 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 1229 mg | 26% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
