Poached Pears!
I am surprised! I am funny with pears! I am a bit of a pear snob, only electing to eat one particular variety and only if they are almost rock solid! Why then, would I even try this recipe? Well, there are only so many pears you can eat raw and I just thought I would have an experiment or two! I have avoided poached pears for so long, (that would be my whole adulthood and most of my childhood) and now I have so much catching up to do! Of course, you can poach pears in any liquid you so desire, so perhaps it is more that which has swayed me! I might even be addicted to this new found delicate taste!
Poached Pears recipe
For my poaching liquid, I have chosen to use the delicate taste of earl grey tea combined with the fresh aromatic taste of cardamom. This really gives the pears the most delightful taste and of course, you can drink the tea afterwards too! There are only four ingredients here, using the natural sweetness of the pears, rather than added sugar. Tea, cardamom, pears and water. If you really must add sugar, that’s up to you, but maybe try the recipe as it is first and add yogurt or custard on the side for your sweetener instead.
- 3 medium firm pears
- 1 earl grey teabag
- 3 pods cardamom
- 0.5-1 litre water (boiled)
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In a small pan (big enough to just fit your pears in), add the boiled water and turn the heat to high. Add the teabag and the cardamom pods. Bring the pan back to the boil then reduce the heat.
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While the water is boiling, peel your pears, leaving the stalk intact. If you want your pears to look fancy when cooked, carefully peel in long strips from top to bottom.
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Place your peeled pears in the water, ensure the water is almost covering them, then pop a lid on, make sure the heat is on low and leave for 10-15 minutes. If they need turning over part way through, do this carefully.
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Gently push the end of a sharp knife into the side of one of the pears to check they are slightly soft, then turn the heat off and allow to sit for a few minutes in the liquid. Remove and serve.
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Pour the tea into a mug, add milk or lemon if needed.
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Enjoy!
What do I need?
Hopefully you have everything you need to make these poached pears, but just in case you need a few extras, or are new to cooking, here are a few items to check out. I may receive a small commission if you click and purchase through these links (this is at no additional cost to you)!
Serving
Serve your poached pears on their own, or add some natural yogurt, maybe ice-cream or even custard. If you’re feeling really fancy, you could even make a few shortbread biscuits to go on the side! Have this as a lovely dessert – be extra fancy and drizzle with maple syrup or add a few gold leaf flakes (I did say fancy)! Eat as a snack mid morning or late afternoon. Even have this a breakfast maybe with overnight oats or some porridge.
Storing
These pears can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. Please note the flavour will intensify the longer they are kept. You can eat them cold or reheat then in a lidded pan with a drop of water.
Sharing
What are you serving your poached pears with? Are you going to drink the tea (it will be slightly sweeter and more aromatic than usual earl grey) and will you drink it with lemon or milk or as it is?
As always, I love hearing about any recipes of mine you try, any ideas you adapt or suggestions you have for future recipes. Please share and tag me @LifeDietHealth or using #LifeDietHealth on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter.
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I hope to speak with you soon
Laurena x
