This Marry Berry Spiced Poached Pears with Blackberry Compote is a light and aromatic recipe, which includes ripe pears and blackberries. It’s a refreshingly simple dessert or breakfast option, ready in about 45 minutes plus cooling.
Marry Berry Spiced Poached Pears with Blackberry Compote Ingredients
- 600ml (1 pint) apple juice
- 100g (3½oz) caster sugar
- 600ml (1 pint) water
- Peeled zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 star anise
- 4–6 ripe but firm pears, peeled, halved, and cored
- 2 tsp cornflour
- 225g (8oz) blackberries
How To Make Marry Berry Spiced Poached Pears with Blackberry Compote
- Create poaching liquid: Boil apple juice, water, and sugar until dissolved; add lemon zest, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
- Poach the pears: Add halved pears to the pan and simmer for 15 minutes until tender. Remove and place in a serving bowl.
- Reduce the syrup: Simmer poaching liquid until reduced by one-third and syrupy.
- Thicken with cornflour: Mix cornflour with cold water, stir in a little hot syrup, return to pan, and boil until slightly thickened.
- Combine and cool: Pour syrup over pears, let cool completely.
- Add blackberries: Stir in blackberries once cooled and remove spices before serving.
Recipe Tips
- What pears are best for poaching?
Use firm but ripe pears like Conference or Bosc for best results. - Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it can be made a day in advance and stored chilled. - Is it okay to eat warm?
It’s best served cold, but can be gently warmed if preferred. - How to prevent pears from browning?
Poach them immediately after peeling or soak briefly in lemon water.
What To Serve With Spiced Poached Pears
This spiced fruit dish goes well with:
- Crème fraîche
- Greek yogurt
- Vanilla ice cream
- Toasted granola for breakfast
How To Store Spiced Poached Pears
Refrigerate:
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Remove spices before storing.
Freeze:
Not recommended due to the change in fruit texture after thawing.
Spiced Poached Pears Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~180 per serving
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 34g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them before adding to avoid watering down the syrup.
Do I need to peel the pears?
Yes, peeling helps them absorb flavor and gives a better texture.
Can I reuse the poaching syrup?
Yes, strain and chill it—it’s great in drinks or as a drizzle.
What if I don’t have star anise?
You can su..bstitute with a pinch of ground allspice or omit it
Marry Berry Spiced Poached Pears with Blackberry Compote
Description
Fragrant poached pears infused with warm spices and finished with juicy blackberries.
Ingredients:
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil juice, water, and sugar until dissolved; add lemon zest and spices.
- Add pears and simmer 15 minutes until tender; remove to bowl.
- Reduce liquid by one-third; mix cornflour with water, add syrup, and boil to thicken.
- Pour over pears, cool completely.
- Stir in blackberries and remove spices before serving.
Notes
- Choose pears that are ripe but not soft.
- Let syrup cool fully before adding berries to preserve texture.
- Best served chilled with yogurt or cream.
- Can be made 1 day ahead.