Vanilla Poached Pears
Indulge in the elegance of Vanilla Poached Pears, a refined yet simple dessert that transforms ripe, firm pears into tender, aromatic delights. Gently simmered in a fragrant bath of water, sugar, and vanilla bean (or extract), these pears absorb the essence of vanilla, zesty lemon, and a hint of optional cinnamon for added warmth. Perfect for dinner parties or a cozy night in, this recipe features a luscious reduction of the poaching liquid to create a glossy syrup that drapes the pears beautifully. With only 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, this gluten-free and dairy-free treat is as easy to make as it is stunning to serve. Pair with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’s both indulgent and effortlessly sophisticated.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Pears (ripe but firm, preferably Bosc or Anjou)
- 4 cups Water
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 piece Vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)
- 1 piece Lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 piece Cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
Peel the pears, leaving the stem intact. Trim the bottom of each pear slightly so they can stand upright if desired.
In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, and lemon zest. If using a vanilla bean, slice it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds; add both the seeds and the pod to the saucepan. Alternatively, add the vanilla extract if using. Add the cinnamon stick if desired.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the syrup comes to a gentle boil.
Lower the heat to a simmer and carefully place the pears into the saucepan. Add the lemon juice to the syrup.
Simmer the pears gently for 20-30 minutes, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly. The pears are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a knife, but still hold their shape.
Once cooked, remove the pears from the liquid and set them aside to cool slightly.
Increase the heat under the saucepan and boil the poaching liquid until it reduces and thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. This will create a lovely syrup for serving.
To serve, place each pear on a plate or in a bowl and drizzle with the reduced syrup. Optional: Garnish with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1201 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.1 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 40 mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 316.0 g | 115% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.2 g | 97% | |
| Total Sugars | 270.0 g | ||
| Protein | 3.2 g | 6% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 164 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 921 mg | 20% | |
*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.
