Poached Citrus Spice Pears (Printable Version)
Tender pears simmered in a warm citrus and spice broth with a spiced syrup finish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Fruit
01 - 4 ripe but firm pears, such as Bosc or Anjou, peeled, halved, and cored
02 - Zest of 1 orange
03 - Zest of 1 lemon
→ Poaching Liquid
04 - 3 cups water
05 - ½ cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 cinnamon stick
07 - 3 whole star anise
08 - 5 whole cloves
09 - 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - Juice of 1 orange
11 - Juice of 1 lemon
12 - 1 small piece (1 inch) fresh ginger, sliced
13 - Pinch of salt
# How to Make It:
01 - In a large saucepan, combine water, sugar, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, vanilla bean with seeds, orange zest, lemon zest, orange juice, lemon juice, ginger, and salt. Stir until sugar completely dissolves.
02 - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, watching carefully to avoid boiling.
03 - Add pear halves to the poaching liquid, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Cover with a parchment paper circle or lid slightly ajar. Simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, turning pears occasionally, until tender when pierced with a knife but not falling apart.
04 - Carefully remove pears with a slotted spoon and transfer to a serving dish.
05 - Increase heat to medium-high and boil the poaching liquid until reduced by half and slightly syrupy, about 8 to 10 minutes.
06 - Discard the spices and citrus zest pieces. Pour warm syrup over pears. Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or Greek yogurt if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The house smells absolutely incredible while these simmer, like the inside of a French bakery in December
- You can make them hours ahead and they actually taste better after sitting in that spiced syrup
02 -
- Overripe pears will disintegrate in the liquid, so choose fruit that gives slightly when pressed but still feels firm
- The parchment paper trick keeps the pears submerged without trapping too much steam, which prevents them from cooking unevenly
03 -
- Use the widest pan you own so the pears can lie flat and cook evenly
- Cool the pears in the syrup for the most intense flavor infusion