Refreshing Mint Poached Pears
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Refreshing Mint Poached Pears, where juicy pears are elegantly poached in a zesty lemon-infused syrup. The addition of fresh mint elevates this dessert, making it not only visually stunning but also refreshingly aromatic. Perfect for a light dessert after any meal or as a sweet treat to share with loved ones, this recipe is easy to make and will surely impress your guests. Serve chilled, drizzled with the minty syrup for a remarkable finish.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pears
1 lb (halved and peeled)
Lemon
1 (juiced)
Sugar
1/2 cup (or 1/4 cup honey)
Fresh Spearmint
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the pears and cutting them in half. Remove any core or seeds.
2
In a large pot, combine water and the juice of one lemon. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3
Add the pear halves to the simmering water and poach them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but not mushy.
4
Once cooked, carefully remove the pears and set them aside to drain. Reserve 1 cup of the poaching liquid.
5
In a clean saucepan, combine the reserved poaching liquid with sugar or honey. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar or honey completely.
6
Once dissolved, add the chopped fresh spearmint to the saucepan. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 10 minutes to infuse the mint flavor.
7
Remove the mint syrup from heat and let it cool slightly before pouring it over the poached pears.
8
Refrigerate the pears for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and to serve chilled. Drizzle with the mint syrup just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Refreshing Mint Poached Pears.
What are the primary ingredients?
The primary ingredients are pears, lemon, sugar or honey, and fresh spearmint.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How should the pears be prepared?
The pears should be peeled, halved, and the cores or seeds removed.
What liquid is used for poaching the pears?
The pears are poached in a mixture of water and the juice of one lemon.
How long should the pears simmer?
Poach them for 10 to 15 minutes until they are fork-tender.
How do I know when the pears are done?
They are done when they are fork-tender but not mushy.
What do I do with the poaching liquid after cooking?
Drain the pears and reserve 1 cup of the poaching liquid to make the syrup.
What sweetener can I use for the syrup?
You can use either 1/2 cup of sugar or 1/4 cup of honey.
How do I make the mint syrup?
Combine the reserved liquid with sugar or honey, dissolve it over heat, and then add chopped spearmint.
What kind of mint is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh spearmint.
How much mint is required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh spearmint.
How long does the mint need to infuse in the syrup?
Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes to fully infuse the mint flavor.
Should the syrup be hot when applied to the pears?
No, let the mint syrup cool slightly before pouring it over the poached pears.
How long should the dessert be refrigerated?
Refrigerate the pears for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Is this recipe served hot or cold?
This dessert is intended to be served chilled.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, 1/4 cup of honey can be used as a substitute for 1/2 cup of sugar.
What is the final presentation step?
Drizzle the pears with the mint syrup just before serving.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, the recipe is described as easy and simple to prepare.
What is the total weight of pears needed?
The recipe requires 1 lb of pears.
Is this a light dessert option?
Yes, it is tagged as a light and healthier sweet treat.
What type of lemon juice should I use?
The recipe calls for the juice of one fresh lemon.
Can I serve this at a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as visually stunning and sure to impress guests.
What flavors characterize this dish?
The dish features zesty lemon, sweet syrup, and aromatic fresh mint.
Is this a good summer dessert?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a summer dessert due to its refreshing nature.
What is the texture of the finished pear?
The finished pears are fork-tender and elegant.
Does the recipe use dried mint?
No, it specifically requires fresh spearmint for the best aromatic result.
What is the purpose of the lemon juice?
The lemon juice infuses the pears with a zesty flavor during the poaching process.
Is the syrup strained?
The instructions do not specify straining, implying the chopped mint is served in the syrup.
Can this be made in advance?
Yes, as it needs at least 30 minutes to chill, it is a great make-ahead dessert.