This easy Mary Berry Poached Pears recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful dessert. With juicy, tender pears infused in a sweet, aromatic syrup, this dish is both quick and nutritious. Perfect for a cozy gathering or a special treat, you can enjoy these pears hot or cold, offering versatility for any occasion.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 liter (4 cups) water
- 300 g (1 ½ cups) caster sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 vanilla pod, cut in half and seeds scraped out
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 8 ripe pears
How To Make Poached Pears
- Combine Ingredients: Place all the ingredients except the pears in a stainless steel saucepan. Do not turn on the heat.
- Prepare the Pears: Peel the pears and add them to the pan once peeled.
- Cook the Pears: Place the pan on the stove, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the pears carefully.
- Check for Doneness: Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and allow the pears to cool in the sugar syrup. To check if they are cooked, use a paring knife to push into the middle of the fruit; if the pears feel soft, they are done.
- Serve: The poached pears can be served hot or cold.
Recipe Tips
- Choose Ripe Pears: Use pears that are ripe but still firm to ensure they hold their shape while cooking. Look for pears that give slightly when pressed.
- Peeling Technique: Peel the pears carefully to avoid breaking the skin. A vegetable peeler works best for this, and you can leave the stems on for a nice presentation.
- Simmer Gently: When cooking the pears, keep the heat low to simmer gently. This prevents them from breaking apart and allows them to absorb the syrup flavor.
- Cool in Syrup: Let the pears cool completely in the syrup for at least 30 minutes. This enhances their flavor and ensures they remain juicy and tender.
How To Store And Reheat Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: First, let the leftover poached pears cool until they reach room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze poached pears by placing them in a freezer-safe container with some of the syrup. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw the pears in the fridge overnight before enjoying them.
- Reheat: Place the poached pears and some syrup in a saucepan over low heat. Gently warm them, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 285g)
- Calories: 233
- Total Fat: 0.3g
- Sodium: 6mg
- Potassium: 326mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 43g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 31g
- Protein: 1g
Try More Mary Berry Recipes:
- Mary Berry Coconut Buns
- Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart
- Mary Berry Stuffed Mushrooms
- Mary Berry Scotch Eggs
Mary Berry Poached Pears
Description
This easy Mary Berry Poached Pears recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful dessert. With juicy, tender pears infused in a sweet, aromatic syrup, this dish is both quick and nutritious. Perfect for a cozy gathering or a special treat, you can enjoy these pears hot or cold, offering versatility for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place all the ingredients except the pears in a stainless steel saucepan. Do not turn on the heat.
- Prepare the Pears: Peel the pears and add them to the pan once peeled.
- Cook the Pears: Place the pan on the stove, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the pears carefully.
- Check for Doneness: Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and allow the pears to cool in the sugar syrup. To check if they are cooked, use a paring knife to push into the middle of the fruit; if the pears feel soft, they are done.
- Serve: The poached pears can be served hot or cold.
Notes
- Choose Ripe Pears: Use pears that are ripe but still firm to ensure they hold their shape while cooking. Look for pears that give slightly when pressed.
- Peeling Technique: Peel the pears carefully to avoid breaking the skin. A vegetable peeler works best for this, and you can leave the stems on for a nice presentation.
- Simmer Gently: When cooking the pears, keep the heat low to simmer gently. This prevents them from breaking apart and allows them to absorb the syrup flavor.
- Cool in Syrup: Let the pears cool completely in the syrup for at least 30 minutes. This enhances their flavor and ensures they remain juicy and tender.