Poached Pears With Almonds
Poached pears with toasted almonds offer a delicate balance of sweetness and citrus flavor, perfect as an elegant dessert for special occasions or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel the pears and cut out the blossom end, keeping the stems intact.
- In a deep saucepan, combine sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, lemon rind, and ginger. Bring to a boil.
- Place the pears in the syrup, bring to a boil again, then cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Arrange the pears in a deep serving dish and pour the syrup over the top.
- Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the pears and serve slightly warm or chilled, optionally with whipped cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For perfectly poached pears, choose underripe varieties like Anjou or Bosc, as they hold their shape better during cooking. You can substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. To enhance the dish, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a cinnamon stick to the poaching liquid for extra warmth. Serve with whipped cream for added richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the poached pears slightly warm or chilled, drizzled with the syrup and sprinkled with toasted almonds. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast. This dish also pairs beautifully with Japanese Persimmon Cookies for a seasonal dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover poached pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm them in the poaching liquid over low heat on the stove. Avoid boiling to maintain their tender texture. This recipe also works well as a make-ahead dessert for gatherings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Poached Pears With Almonds contains roughly 229 calories, with 6g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pears for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other varieties such as Bartlett or Comice pears, but ensure they are underripe for better texture during poaching. Each type will impart its unique flavor to the dish.
How do I know when the pears are done cooking?
The pears are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Cooking times may vary based on the size and ripeness of the pears, so start checking around the 25-minute mark.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar and omit the whipped cream, or use a plant-based alternative. The poaching method remains the same, ensuring a delicious result.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).