Prepare to indulge in a culinary adventure with our Pear Pomegranate Strudel, a tantalizing dessert perfect for holidays or any special occasion. 🍐 Bursting with the exotic flavors of warm pears and the delightful crunch of pomegranate seeds, this dish is not only delicious but also rich in antioxidants, making it a guilt-free treat.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 6 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice
- A pinch of salt
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
For the Pastry:
- 1 package phyllo dough (8 sheets)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar
- Colored gel
Instructions:
Making the Filling:
- Peel, core, and dice the pears.
- Place a large, heavy saucepan over high heat until very hot.
- Melt butter in the saucepan and add the diced pears. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt over the pears. Allow the sugar to melt, stirring occasionally.
- Once the mixture starts to boil, remove from heat.
- Strain the liquid from the pears.
- Cook the liquid over medium-high heat until it reduces to about 1/2 cup, resulting in a syrupy consistency.
- Return the pears to the saucepan, stir to blend, and then stir in the pomegranate seeds.
- Allow the filling to cool completely. It can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored in the refrigerator until needed.
Preparing the Pastry:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a dry, flat surface. Brush it with melted butter and layer another sheet on top. Repeat until you have used 4 sheets, brushing each layer with butter.
- Cut the pastry into quarters.
- Place 1/4 of the filling (about 1/3 cup) in the center of each pastry square and fold it into a package, securing the sides with melted butter.
- Repeat the process with the remaining filling and pastry sheets, working with one quarter at a time and keeping the others covered with a damp cloth.
- Place the assembled packages seam side down on a heavy aluminum cookie sheet. Brush them liberally with butter and cover with plastic wrap.
- The packages can be assembled a day ahead, refrigerated, and then baked when ready.
Baking and Garnishing:
- Bake the assembled strudels in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow them to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the strudels to a work surface and dust each with powdered sugar.
- Decorate each package with colored gel to resemble presents.
- Lightly sprinkle a serving plate with colored sugars and then place the decorated strudels on top.
- Serve and enjoy this delightful dessert with friends and family!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 728.9
- Fat: 46.3g
- Saturated Fat: 28.4g
- Cholesterol: 116.9mg
- Sodium: 547.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 81.6g
- Fiber: 8.9g
- Sugar: 53.3g
- Protein: 3.7g
Recipe Yield:
6-8 servings
Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, our Pear Pomegranate Strudel is sure to impress with its heavenly combination of flavors and elegant presentation. Try it today and elevate your dessert game to a whole new level!
