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Poached Pears Without Wine

Poached Pears Without Wine

Poached in a spiced pomegranate juice rather than red wine, these pears are a delicious, elevated dessert perfect for celebrating autumn produce.
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Servings 4
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 750 ml (3 cups) 100% pomegranate juice
  • 50 g (¼ cup) 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
  • 4 medium Beurre Bosc pears ripe but still firm, peeled, stems left on

Instructions
 

  • To a large saucepan or small Dutch oven, add the pomegranate juice and 250ml (1 cup) of water. Add the sugar, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, orange zest, star anise and peppercorns. Set over medium heat and bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
    Preparing the poaching liquid
  • Once the mixture is simmering, reduce the heat to low and very gently lower the pears into the liquid. Simmer on low until the pears are very tender and the flesh offers no resistance when pierced with a knife, about 30 minutes. Remove the pears from the pot.
    Poaching the pears
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the poaching liquid to a vigorous simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon and has a glaze-like consistency, about 35-45 minutes (see note 1).
    Reducing the glaze
  • Strain the solids from the glaze, then return the pears to the pot and warm through over low heat for a few minutes. Serve drizzled with the glaze. Vanilla ice cream alongside is a great optional addition.
    Poached Pears Without Wine

Notes

  1. Pear cook time can vary depending on the ripeness. Medium-ripe pears will take closer to 30 minutes, underripe pears will take closer 45 minutes and upwards of an hour. Make sure to check periodically for doneness. 
Make Ahead
The pears can be made through Step 3 and stored in their poaching liquid in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, add the liquid and pears to a pot and warm over low heat for a few minutes before plating.

Nutrition

Calories: 114kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 246mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is automatically generated and provided as guidance only. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

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