Saffron Poached Pears

Discover the magic of Saffron Poached Pears in this step-by-step guide. An elegant yet effortless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Dive into the world of aromatic saffron-infused syrup, tender pears, and a garnish that will leave your guests impressed.

SERVES	COOK TIME	DIFFICULT
4	2 HOURS 15 MINUTES	NOT TOO TRICKY

Ingredients

• 4 medium pears
• 10 cardamom pods
• 320 g caster sugar
• ½ a vanilla pod
• 100 mg saffron
• 1 small stick of cinnamon

Method

1. Peel the pears, leaving the stalk intact. Crush the cardamom pods.
2. Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan with 1 liter of water, bring to a simmer and gently poach the pears for about 2 hours or until tender. Remove from the heat, allow to cool, then refrigerate overnight to steep.
3. Before serving, remove the pears and set aside to bring to room temperature.
4. Boil the syrup until reduced to a sticky glaze, about 250ml. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of saffron glaze over the pears, then serve with ice cream or cream.

Below are a few tips and tricks for ensuring perfect Saffron Poached Pears every time:

• Use 1 cup of water for each pear. Too much water takes longer to turn into syrup after cooking pears.
• Peel pears before heating water. It boils quickly!
• Maybe use less sugar if you don’t want it too sweet.
• Store leftover pears in the fridge. They taste great on oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes.
• Bosc pears are the best. They stay in shape when cooked and look golden with saffron.