Star Anise Poached Pears
Transform your dessert game with these luxurious Star Anise Poached Pears, a simple yet elegant treat that’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in. This recipe features tender, juicy pears gently simmered in a fragrant spiced syrup infused with star anise, cinnamon, vanilla bean, and citrus zest for a symphony of warm, aromatic flavors. The poaching liquid is then reduced to a luscious syrup, adding a glossy finish to this visually stunning dish. Serve these pears warm or chilled, paired with whipped cream, refreshing mint leaves, or a scoop of creamy ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. Ready in under an hour, this gluten-free and effortlessly sophisticated recipe highlights the natural beauty of the fruit while impressing guests with its complex yet comforting flavors.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Pears (firm and ripe, such as Bosc or Anjou)
- 4 cups Water
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 3 pieces Star anise
- 1 piece Cinnamon stick
- 1 piece Vanilla bean (split and scraped)
- 1 piece Lemon (zest only, peeled in wide strips)
- 1 piece Orange (zest only, peeled in wide strips)
- 2 tablespoons Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Optional garnish: whipped cream, mint leaves, or ice cream
Instructions
Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. Slice a small, flat piece from the bottom of each pear so they can stand upright if desired.
In a medium saucepan, combine water, granulated sugar, star anise, cinnamon stick, vanilla bean (with seeds scraped into the liquid), lemon zest, orange zest, and lemon juice.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has fully dissolved.
Carefully add the pears to the poaching liquid. Ensure they are mostly submerged (you can use a small lid or piece of parchment paper to help keep them submerged).
Simmer the pears gently for 20-30 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. The pears are done when a knife easily pierces the flesh.
Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the poached pears to a serving dish and let them cool slightly.
Increase the heat under the poaching liquid and simmer until it reduces to a syrupy consistency, about 10-15 minutes.
Strain the syrup to remove the spices and zest, then pour it over the poached pears.
Serve warm or chilled, garnished with whipped cream, mint leaves, or a scoop of ice cream if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
335 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.5 g | 2% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.0 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 4 mg | 1% | |
| Sodium | 15 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 82.0 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.8 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 67.8 g | ||
| Protein | 1.0 g | 2% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 65 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 1.0 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 263 mg | 6% | |
*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.
