| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 300 | 14g | 8g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 29g | 4g | 3g | 0.2g |
When I first discovered the medlar fruit, I was intrigued. It wasn’t something I grew up with in California’s sun-kissed valleys, where avocados and citrus fruits reign supreme. However, once I stumbled upon medlars at a local farmer’s market, I knew I had to create something special with them. The result? The delightful Medlar and Pear Crumble.
Why Medlars and Pears?
Combining medlars with pears in this crumble felt like a perfect match. Pears bring their subtle sweetness and juicy texture, while medlars add a unique tang and slightly spiced flavor that truly elevates the dish. The combination of these two fruits is nothing short of magical.
Medlars are often overlooked, but they’re packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, making them a healthy yet underappreciated choice. When paired with pears, which are high in dietary fiber and essential vitamins, this crumble isn’t just a treat for your taste buds but also a nutritious dessert you can feel good about serving to your family.
The Comfort of a Crumble
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm fruit crumble. It’s reminiscent of classic American desserts like apple pie or peach cobbler—dishes that bring back fond memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings at home. The Medlar and Pear Crumble offers this same sense of nostalgia with a refreshing twist.
For me, this recipe hits that sweet spot between health-conscious and indulgent. The oats and whole grains provide a nice dose of fiber, making it a satisfying dessert that’s far better for you than a heavily processed equivalent. Plus, the use of fresh, seasonal fruits keeps it in line with a more natural, wholesome approach to eating.
If you’re looking for something similar, you might enjoy trying an apple crisp or a mixed berry crumble, both of which share the same lovely texture and comforting flavor profile. This crumble also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt, allowing you to customize it to your liking.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for a dessert that balances comfort and health, give this Medlar and Pear Crumble a shot. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it solo, I promise it’s a dish that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.
For more on the benefits of medlars, check out this Healthline article that delves into its nutritional profile. And if you’re curious about other healthy crumbles, here’s a fantastic Mixed Berry Crumble recipe you might like.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups Medlars, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 cups Pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Old-Fashioned Oats
- 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, cold and diced
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and set aside.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the medlars and pears. Add the lemon juice and toss to coat the fruit evenly.
Step Three
Sprinkle the granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg over the fruit. Mix well to ensure the fruit is evenly coated with the dry ingredients.
Step Four
Transfer the fruit mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step Five
In another large bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, light brown sugar, and salt. Mix well to combine.
Step Six
Add the cold, diced unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step Seven
Spread the crumble topping evenly over the fruit mixture in the baking dish.
Step Eight
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit mixture is bubbling.
Step Nine
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Medlar and Pear Crumble warm, possibly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
