How To Make Poached Pears With Star Anise
Poached pears with star anise make for a sophisticated and aromatic dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion. To begin, select firm yet ripe pears such as Bosc or Anjou, which hold their shape during cooking. Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact for an elegant presentation. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and a few whole star anise pods. You can also add other spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, or vanilla to enhance the flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Once the poaching liquid is simmering, gently add the pears. Ensure the liquid covers the pears completely, adding more water or wine if necessary. Allow the pears to poach on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of the pears, until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The star anise will infuse the pears with a warm, slightly licorice-like flavor that complements their natural sweetness.
After the pears are cooked, remove them from the liquid and set them aside. You can continue to simmer the poaching liquid to thicken it into a syrup. Once reduced, drizzle the syrup over the pears for a glossy finish. Serve them warm or chilled, garnished with the star anise and perhaps a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture. This simple yet elegant dish is sure to impress anyone at the table.
Makes: 3 pears
Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
INGREDIENTS
3 ripe pears, peeled
2 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 vanilla bean
1 star anise
2 tablespoons sweet red wine
DIRECTIONS
Peel your pears and add directly into cold water so they don’t brown
Make simple syrup combine your 2 cups water and 1 cup sugar, stir until sugar is dissolved.
Open vanilla bean and set aside.
In a large sauce pan, add simple syrup, vanilla bean, star anise, and red wine. Bring to a simmer.
Once simmering add in pears for about 15-20 minutes. One simmer is done remove vanilla bean and start anise.
Let the pears cool in the syrup completely then refrigerate in syrup.
Once fully cooled enjoy but pouring extra syrup on top.
TIP: Adding vanilla bean ice cream to your pears makes this lovely experience last even longer. Try heating up some left over syrup for a warmer dessert.
In conclusion, poached pears with star anise offer a simple yet luxurious dessert that brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit while adding aromatic depth from the spices. This dish is versatile and can be customized with various flavor additions, making it suitable for any occasion. Whether served warm or chilled, the poached pears, paired with a rich syrup, provide a delightful balance of flavors that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. Easy to prepare and wonderfully elegant, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
