Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Yet Elegant: The combination of spiced pears and pomegranate creates a beautiful, flavorful dish that looks impressive but is easy to prepare.
- Perfect for Fall and Winter: The warm spices of cinnamon and ginger make this dish ideal for colder months.
- Healthy and Refreshing: The pears and pomegranate offer a healthy yet indulgent flavor, packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pears
- Pomegranate seeds
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground ginger
- Vanilla extract
- Brown sugar
Directions
- Peel and core the pears, then cut them into halves or quarters.
- In a large skillet, combine the cinnamon, ginger, brown sugar, and a splash of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the pears to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them in the spiced syrup.
- Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pears are tender.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and pomegranate seeds, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional pomegranate seeds.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 4 servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add Nuts: Top the dish with chopped walnuts or pistachios for a crunchier texture.
- Spiced Syrup: Add a splash of orange juice to the syrup for a citrus twist.
- Vegan: Substitute the brown sugar with maple syrup and use plant-based vanilla extract.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warm. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the syrup.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Yes, you can try apples or quinces in place of pears.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the pears can be cooked a day in advance and reheated when ready to serve.
Is there a substitute for pomegranate?
You can use cranberries or berries for a similar tartness and color.
Can I make this dish without the sugar?
Yes, you can omit the sugar and use a natural sweetener like stevia or honey.
Can I serve this with ice cream?
Yes, vanilla or cinnamon ice cream would be a perfect pairing for this dish.
What other spices work well in this recipe?
Cloves, nutmeg, or cardamom could add extra warmth to the spiced pears.
How do I prevent the pears from becoming mushy?
Cook the pears just until they are tender, but still holding their shape.
Can I use frozen pomegranate?
Yes, frozen pomegranate seeds work well when fresh ones are not in season.
How do I know when the pears are done?
The pears should be tender when pierced with a fork but not falling apart.
Conclusion
This Spiced Pears and Pomegranate recipe is a delightful and warming dessert that brings together the flavors of fall and winter in every bite. It’s simple, healthy, and perfect for any occasion.
Spiced Pears and Pomegranate
This Spiced Pears and Pomegranate recipe is a fragrant and colorful dish that combines the sweetness of pears with the tartness of pomegranate, all brought together with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and a touch of vanilla. Perfect for the holiday season or cozy weeknight desserts, this easy-to-make treat is as healthy as it is indulgent.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- Pears
- Pomegranate seeds
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground ginger
- Vanilla extract
- Brown sugar
Instructions
- Peel and core the pears, then cut them into halves or quarters.
- In a large skillet, combine cinnamon, ginger, brown sugar, and a splash of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the pears to the skillet and stir gently to coat them in the spiced syrup.
- Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pears are tender.
- Stir in vanilla extract and pomegranate seeds, then cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional pomegranate seeds.
Notes
- Add chopped walnuts or pistachios for a crunchy texture.
- For a citrus twist, incorporate a splash of orange juice into the syrup.
- For a vegan version, substitute the brown sugar with maple syrup and use plant-based vanilla extract.
- The dish can also be enhanced with spices like cloves, nutmeg, or cardamom.