Poached pears

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Poached pears
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it de es fr br
692
Calories per serving
  • Energy Kcal 692
  • Carbohydrates g 171.3
  •   of which sugars g 171.3
  • Protein g 0.9
  • Fats g 0.3
  •   of which saturated fat g 0.07
  • Cholesterol mg 8.4
  • Sodium mg 14.3
  • Gluten Free
  • Lactose Free
  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Difficulty: Very easy
  • Prep time: 10 min
  • Cook time: 15 min
  • Serving: 2
  • Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

Poached pears are such a classic, you know? Really really the essence of Italian home cooking. Especially during those colder months when you just want something warm and cozy. Across Italy, you'll find this dessert—a beautiful mix of tender fruit and warm spices—that fills the kitchen with this sweet, inviting aroma. And here's the thing: by gently simmering the pears with cinnamon and star anise, you get this amazing balance of softness with a little crisp bite. Honestly, it is magic.

This mix of moist, fragrant fruit and deep spice turns an ordinary pear into something special. Really special. And listen, despite its elegant taste, it’s surprisingly quick. Like, 30 minutes and you’ve got it. With a poached pear recipe like this, you can easily bring that Italian comfort to your table—perfect for chilly evenings when you're craving something warm. Which is great.

In Italy, there are all kinds of variations reflecting the seasons and regional creativity. Some folks love red wine poached pears—they get this rich color and refined flavor. Others go for the classic spiced poached pears with cozy notes of cinnamon and anise. And, you know, sometimes a drizzle of chocolate or a splash of amaretto gives it a nutty twist—pretty much perfect.

No matter the version, this pear dessert invites you to slow down and savor every single bite. Cutting into a soft poached pear and letting that sweet syrup soak in? It's something to cherish at the table. These easy poached pears are super versatile—simple enough for a weeknight, yet fancy enough for a holiday feast. With their traditional roots and fresh flavors, it's no wonder this Italian favorite is beloved year after year. The combination of tradition and simplicity? Truly a treasure in Italian cuisine. And can't go wrong with it.

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INGREDIENTS
692
Calories per serving
Bartlett pears 2 - (380 g)
Star anise 5
Cinnamon sticks 2
Water 2.1 cups (500 g)
Sugar 1 ½ cup (300 g)
Preparation

How to prepare Poached pears

To prepare the poached pears, start by peeling them whole with a vegetable peeler 1, taking care to leave the stem attached 2. Now make the syrup: pour the water and the sugar into a saucepan 3.

Add the anise and the cinnamon 4 and bring to a boil. As soon as it reaches a boil, lower the heat to medium. Add the pears 5 and let them cook for 10–15 minutes, turning them from time to time so they cook evenly 6.

When they're ready, remove them from the syrup 7 and set them aside. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve 8 to separate the aromatics 9.

Now plate: place a pear in a small bowl 10, pour over a ladleful of syrup 11 and serve 12. If you prefer, you can add a pinch of ground cinnamon.

Storage

Poached pears can be stored in a closed container in the refrigerator for 2 days, immersed in their syrup.

Tip

If you like, you can add other aromatics such as cardamom or a juniper berry.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.
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