Sweet and Spicy Pickled Pears
These Sweet and Spicy Pickled Pears are a delightful culinary creation perfect for enhancing your favorite dishes. Whether served as a refreshing side with pork main courses or drizzled over vanilla ice cream for a unique dessert, their fragrant spices and tangy sweetness add a burst of flavor. This versatile dish is ideal for special occasions and regular dinners alike, and best of all, it can easily be halved to suit your needs. Let these pears soak overnight to fully develop their flavors, making them an unforgettable treat.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooking pears
7 lbs (Peeled, cored, quartered)
Vinegar
2 cups (N/A)
Sugar
4 cups (N/A)
Water
1 cup (N/A)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Ginger
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Whole cloves
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling, coring, and quartering the cooking pears. To prevent browning, immediately place the prepared pears into a bowl of cold water mixed with lemon juice.
2
In a 3-gallon stockpot, combine vinegar, sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and whole cloves. Stir well to ensure the sugar dissolves.
3
Drain the pears from the lemon water and add them to the pot with the vinegar mixture. Bring everything to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the pears for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
5
Remove the pot from heat and allow the mixture to cool down to room temperature.
6
Once cooled, transfer the pears along with the liquid into an airtight container and refrigerate overnight. This helps the flavors to meld beautifully.
7
When ready to serve, drain the brine from the pears and arrange them on a platter or serve them alongside your favorite dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet and Spicy Pickled Pears?
They are a culinary creation of pears cooked in a spiced vinegar and sugar brine, offering a mix of tangy and sweet flavors.
What is the primary fruit used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 7 lbs of cooking pears.
How should the pears be prepared before cooking?
The pears should be peeled, cored, and quartered.
How can I prevent the pears from browning during prep?
Place the prepared pears immediately into a bowl of cold water mixed with lemon juice.
What size pot is recommended for this recipe?
A 3-gallon stockpot is recommended.
How much vinegar is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of vinegar.
How much sugar is used in the brine?
The recipe uses 4 cups of sugar.
What spices are included in the mixture?
The spices used are cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and whole cloves.
How much cinnamon is needed?
You will need 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
What is the measurement for nutmeg?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg.
How much ginger should be added?
You should add 1/4 teaspoon of ginger.
How many whole cloves are used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of whole cloves.
How much water is added to the brine?
One cup of water is used in the mixture.
How long should the pears be cooked?
Simmer the pears for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until they are tender.
How do I know when the pears are done cooking?
They are ready when they can be easily pierced with a fork.
What is the first step in making the brine?
Combine vinegar, sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and whole cloves in the pot and stir to dissolve the sugar.
Should I boil the mixture before adding pears?
The instructions suggest adding the pears to the vinegar mixture and then bringing everything to a rolling boil.
What should I do after the pears are cooked?
Remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
Is refrigeration necessary for this recipe?
Yes, the pears should be refrigerated in an airtight container overnight.
Why do the pears need to sit overnight?
Soaking overnight helps the flavors to meld beautifully.
Do you serve the pears with the liquid?
No, you should drain the brine from the pears before serving.
What are some serving suggestions for pickled pears?
They can be served as a side with pork main courses or drizzled over vanilla ice cream.
Can this recipe be halved?
Yes, the recipe can easily be halved to suit your needs.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is ideal for both special occasions and regular dinners.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients used in this recipe.
What type of container should be used for storage?
An airtight container is recommended for refrigeration.
What heat setting should be used to reach a boil?
Medium-high heat should be used to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
What heat setting is used for simmering?
The heat should be reduced to a gentle simmer once boiling is reached.
Can these pears be used as a dessert topping?
Yes, they are described as a unique and delightful topping for vanilla ice cream.
What is the overall flavor profile?
The flavor is a combination of tangy sweetness with fragrant spices.