Description
Delightfully tender and aromatic poached pears simmered in a rich, spiced pomegranate juice glaze. This elegant dessert features fragrant notes of cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, and citrus zest, making it perfect for a sophisticated finish to any meal.
Ingredients
Poaching Liquid
- 750 ml 100% pomegranate juice
- 250 ml (1 cup) water
- 50 g caster sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 4 cardamom pods (lightly crushed with the back of a knife)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 strips orange zest (removed with a vegetable peeler)
- 1 star anise
- ½ tsp black peppercorns
Pears
- 4 medium Beurre Bosc pears (ripe but still firm, peeled, stems left on)
Instructions
- Prepare the poaching liquid: In a large saucepan or small Dutch oven, combine the pomegranate juice and water. Add the sugar, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, orange zest, star anise, and black peppercorns. Place over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring to fully dissolve the sugar.
- Poach the pears: Once the liquid is simmering, reduce heat to low. Carefully lower the peeled pears with stems intact into the poaching liquid. Allow them to gently simmer until tender and easily pierced with a knife, about 30 minutes. Remove the pears from the pot and set aside.
- Reduce the poaching liquid: Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring the remaining poaching liquid to a vigorous simmer. Stir occasionally as you cook the liquid down for 35-45 minutes until it thickens into a glaze that coats the back of a spoon.
- Strain and serve: Remove the spices, zest, and any solids by straining the glaze through a fine-mesh sieve. Return the pears to the pot and warm them gently in the glaze over low heat for a few minutes. Serve the pears drizzled with the pomegranate glaze. For an extra indulgent touch, accompany with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears like Beurre Bosc for best texture.
- The glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated, then gently reheated.
- Vanilla ice cream is an optional and delicious accompaniment.
- Be careful not to overcook the pears to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
