Vanilla Poached Pears

A simple, understated dessert that is full of flavour

Freya people

5 from 4 votes

Prep 5

Cook Time 40

Total Time 45

▢ 4 Pears - peeled, stalk left on, but bottom sliced off, just to make sure they stand up
▢ 2 cups Water
▢ ¼ cup Brown Sugar - soft
▢ ¼ cup White Sugar
▢ 1 Vanilla Pod
▢ small pinch of salt

Peel the pears until they are completely free from peel, leaving the stalk at the top.
If the pear does not stand up on its own, slice a small piece from the bottom to make it level.
In a pan large enough to hold the pears snuggly if laid down on their side, add the water, sugars and vanilla pod.
Now add the pears and bring the pan up to a gentle simmer.
If the pears are not quite covered by the water, just make sure to turn them periodically, so that all sides get completely poached. I initially stand the pears up in the pan, and then lay them on the side.
Test the pears after 15 minutes to see how cooked they are. The tip of a sharp paring (no pun intended) knife should pierce easily through to the centre if they are done. If not, keep poaching and testing until they are.
Once cooked, you can leave them in the poaching liquor if you don't intend to serve them straight away, reheating them when needed.
If you do want to serve them straight away, place the pears on the serving plates, and quickly bring the remaining cooking liquor up to a rapid boil to reduce to a thick, sticky syrup. This will take about 5 minutes or so.
Pour this syrup over the pears and serve with a little whipped vegan cream if you like.

Please note that where the recipe asks for milk, butter or yogurt, this refers to any plant-based version that you prefer.

Nutrition Facts

Vanilla Poached Pears

Amount per Serving

Calories

205

% Daily Value*

Fat

0.5

Saturated Fat

0.04

Polyunsaturated Fat

0.2

Monounsaturated Fat

0.1

Sodium

Potassium

225

Carbohydrates

Fiber

Sugar

Protein

Vitamin A

Vitamin C

Calcium

Iron

0.4

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.