| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins – 60 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 kcal | 0.6g | 0g | 61g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 49g | 5g | 1.2g | 0.01g |
One of my latest dessert obsessions is a dish that marries fruit, spices, and wine to create a harmonious symphony of flavors – meet the Star Anise and Red Wine Poached Pears. A concoction that artfully blends my Creole roots with a dash of French elegance, I find this recipe to be tantalizing, indulgent, and also, quite surprisingly, packed with several health benefits.
So what is it about this recipe that has me so utterly enchanted? Is it the perfect melding of Louisiana’s aromatic intensity with the bourgeois sophistication of the French dessert culture? Or perhaps, the healthful goodness of pears that, when slowly poached in a gorgeously decadent sauce, never fails to create an empyreal, guilt-free dessert experience? Let’s explore!
A Touch of Flavor and A Whole Lot of Health
The Star Anise and Red Wine Poached Pears recipe is like a love letter to the term ‘nutritious dessert’. Pears, the star of this dish, are a treasure trove of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, working diligently to support your immune system, nail health, and cardiovascular health. And the added health benefits from the red wine, brimming with antioxidants like flavonoid and resveratrol, make this dessert a nutrient-dense treat. To learn more about the amazing health benefits of pears and red wine, click here!
Comfort in Every Spoonful
Just one bite of this poached pear dessert has the power to transport you to the charming bistros of France or the vibrant spice markets of Creole Louisiana. The sweet richness of the pears, dramatically uplifted by the warm fragrance of star anise and cinnamon, pays a delicious homage to classic French Poire belle Hélène. Additionally, I find the boldness of black peppercorns in this recipe adds a subtly sharp twist that beautifully mirrors the dynamic flavor profiles prominent in Creole cooking. The decadence of this dessert pairs perfectly with dishes that have a lighter palette, like a classic Caesar salad or a Nicoise salad.
So there you have it, this Star Anise and Red Wine Poached Pears recipe is one that skillfully blends indulgence with optimal health. It’s a dish that captivates your palate, surprises your senses, and most importantly, nourishes your body. With a mix like that, it’s pretty hard not to fall in love!
What You’ll Need
- 6 ripe but firm Bosc pears
- 1 bottle (750 ml) fruity red wine
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 whole star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 2-inch piece of a fresh orange peel
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Method
Step One
Start by peeling your pears, making sure to leave the stems intact. Use a sharp knife to cut a thin slice off the bottom of each pear. Doing this will provide a flat base, allowing the pears to stand upright.
Step Two
In a large saucepan, combine the red wine, granulated sugar, honey, star anise, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, and a piece of fresh orange peel. Cook on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has fully dissolved.
Step Three
Add your peeled pears to the saucepan, standing them upright. Lower the heat so that the liquid gently simmers. You want the pears to poach, not boil. If your pears are not fully submersed in liquid, simply rotate them every now and then.
Step Four
Let the pears poach for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until tender. You can test them by gently inserting a knife. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the pears to cool in the poaching liquid.
Step Five
Once the pears have cooled, transfer them to a serving plate. Return the saucepan with the poaching liquid to the stove and stir in your pure vanilla extract. Simmer the liquid until it reduces to syrup. This could take 20 to 30 minutes.
Step Six
Pour the reduced syrup over your poached pears before serving, making sure each pear is coated in the delicious, spiced syrup. Enjoy your star anise and red wine poached pears as a luxurious dessert. Do not forget to discard the star anise, cinnamon stick, peppercorns, and orange peel before serving.
