Skip to content
Spiced Poached Pears

Spiced Poached Pears

4 Servings

45 Minutes

decadence benefit

Our team is absolutely obsessed with anything and everything Ottolenghi creates. His recipes are flavorful, unique, and we’re especially excited for you to try these poached pears. They’re the perfect dish to close out a decadent meal, as they are quite light, but still such a treat. Their spiced warmth is also perfect for the winter months!
xo
Hannah

INGREDIENTS

1/2 tbsp cardamom pods

2 cups dry white wine

3/4 cup sugar

1.25  tbsp fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp saffron threads

 Pinch of kosher salt

4 firm pears, peeled, stems intact

6-ounce container of crème fraîche, or vegan cream of choice 

INSTRUCTIONS

Gently crush cardamom with a rolling pin or the bottom of a skillet to slightly crack open pods without releasing seeds. Combine cardamom, wine, sugar, lemon juice, saffron, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer. Add pears; add water if needed to completely submerge pears. Cover with lid slightly ajar and simmer, turning occasionally, until pears are tender but not mushy, about 30 minutes.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer pears to a plate. Allow to cool to room temperature (30-60 min). Meanwhile, boil poaching liquid at high heat until reduced to 1 cup (takes about 10–15 minutes). 

When you're ready to serve, spoon some warm syrup over each pear. Serve with a dollop of crème fraîche atop.

*Recipe can be made up to 8 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate pears. Let syrup stand at room temperature. Rewarm syrup before plating and serving with the pears.

Related Articles

Autumnal Dinner Menu

Holiday Recipe Series

Autumnal Dinner Menu


Thanks for following along on our adventure through fall flavors! We hope yo...

Read Now
Golden PSL

Holiday Recipe Series

Golden PSL




2 Tbsp pumpkin purée


2 Tbsp maple syrup1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1.25 ...

Read Now
Jeweled Whole Roast Cauliflower

Holiday Recipe Series

Jeweled Whole Roast Cauliflower

1 medium to large cauliflower 1/2 cup coconut oil1/4 cup tahini1 lemonPine nu...

Read Now

"...a favorite of Oprah and our managing editor Tamara, so you know it’s good."

"I get the hype"

"Clevr Blends makes adding the luxury of a latte to one’s daily routine simple and convenient."

"I love these barista-worthy lattes so much that I’ve been drinking them for years, and I tell all my friends about them."

"I can sincerely say that Oprah is right (duh)- this caffeinated cynic has been won over."