Star Anise Poached Pears Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 0 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Description
This elegant dessert beautifully blends the warm, aromatic spices of the East with the natural sweetness of tender pears. Star anise, cinnamon, and vanilla bean create a rich syrup that perfectly complements the juicy fruit. Simple yet flavorful, this dish is a delightful treat for brunch or dessert and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect last-minute indulgence.
Recipe Category
Breakfast, Dessert, Brunch, Fruit
Keywords
Dessert, Fruit, Asian, Sweet, Brunch, Less Than 30 Mins, Stove Top
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 2 tablespoons |
| Water (additional) | 1 1/4 cups |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Star Anise | 3 pods |
| Whole Cloves | 4 pieces |
| Cinnamon Stick | 1 stick |
| Vanilla Bean | 1 pod |
| Anjou Pears | 4 pears |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 193 kcal |
| Fat Content | 0.2 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 0 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 0 mg |
| Sodium Content | 3.3 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 50.7 g |
| Fiber Content | 5.2 g |
| Sugar Content | 41.2 g |
| Protein Content | 0.6 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Syrup:
In a heavy, large saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons of water, sugar, star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, and vanilla bean. Stir gently to mix. -
Dissolve Sugar:
Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely. Once the sugar is dissolved, raise the heat and bring the syrup to a gentle boil. -
Caramelize the Syrup:
Allow the syrup to boil without stirring until it deepens into a rich amber color. This should take about 9 minutes. During this process, occasionally brush down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush to prevent any sugar crystals from forming. Gently swirl the pan if necessary. -
Add Water:
Once the syrup has turned amber, carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Add 1 1/4 cups of water to the syrup—expect a vigorous bubbling action as the hot syrup meets the cold water. Stir gently until the caramel dissolves back into the liquid. -
Poach the Pears:
Add the Anjou pears to the saucepan, making sure the liquid covers the pears as much as possible. Cover the saucepan and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, turning the pears occasionally until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. -
Transfer Pears to Serving Dish:
Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the poached pears to a serving bowl. Set them aside while you finish the syrup. -
Reduce the Syrup:
Return the syrup to the heat and bring it to a boil. Let it reduce and thicken for about 5 minutes, until it reaches a syrupy consistency. -
Serve the Pears:
Pour the thickened syrup over the poached pears. Toss gently to coat them in the syrup, making sure each pear is beautifully glazed. -
Chill and Serve:
Allow the pears to cool down to room temperature, then refrigerate them for at least 1 hour, or until they are thoroughly chilled. These pears can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge. -
Enjoy:
Serve the poached pears chilled for a refreshing and sophisticated dessert that is sure to impress.
Ratings & Reviews
⭐ Aggregated Rating: 4.5/5
📊 Review Count: 5
Notes
- For added richness, you can drizzle a bit of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream over the pears when serving.
- You can also experiment with different pear varieties, though Anjou pears are particularly well-suited for poaching due to their tender texture and subtle sweetness.
- For a more intense flavor, allow the pears to marinate in the syrup overnight in the refrigerator.
Enjoy this unique dessert at your next brunch or serve it as a sweet finish to any meal!
