Sweet Spiced Poached Plums
Delight your taste buds with these Sweet Spiced Poached Plums, a vibrant and delicious addition to your breakfast table. Plump, juicy plums are gently poached in a spiced syrup of sugar, star anise, and cinnamon, with a hint of balsamic vinegar to enhance their natural sweetness. This dish not only offers a visually stunning presentation but also a rich and comforting flavor profile. Serve warm or chilled, alongside a dollop of creamy yogurt for a nutritious start to your day. Perfect for brunch gatherings or a sweet treat anytime!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Firm plums
800 g (halved and stones removed)
Caster sugar
1 cup (none)
Star anise
3 (whole)
Cinnamon sticks
2 (whole)
Balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
Yogurt
to serve (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the halved plums, caster sugar, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and balsamic vinegar.
2
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer.
4
Cook the plums for 5 to 6 minutes, or until they are tender but still hold their shape.
5
Remove from heat and let the plums cool in the syrup for a few minutes.
6
Serve warm or chilled, topped with a generous spoonful of yogurt for added creaminess.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet Spiced Poached Plums?
Sweet Spiced Poached Plums are fresh plums gently simmered in a spiced syrup made of sugar, star anise, cinnamon, and a touch of balsamic vinegar.
How many plums do I need for this recipe?
You will need 800 grams of firm plums, which should be halved and have the stones removed.
What type of plums work best for poaching?
Firm plums are best because they hold their shape during the cooking process and do not turn into mush.
How much sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of caster sugar to create the poaching syrup.
What spices are used in the poaching liquid?
This recipe uses 3 whole star anise and 2 cinnamon sticks to infuse the plums with warm, aromatic flavors.
Why is balsamic vinegar added to the recipe?
A tablespoon of balsamic vinegar is used to enhance the natural sweetness of the plums and add a subtle depth of flavor.
How long do the plums need to cook?
The plums should be simmered for approximately 5 to 6 minutes until they are tender but still intact.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Can I serve these plums cold?
Yes, these poached plums can be served either warm or chilled depending on your preference.
What is the best way to serve poached plums for breakfast?
They are best served with a generous dollop of creamy yogurt to balance the sweetness of the spiced syrup.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
The poached plums themselves are vegan. To keep the whole dish vegan, simply serve them with a plant-based yogurt.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can poach the plums ahead of time and store them in their syrup in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Do I need to peel the plums before poaching?
No, the plums should be left unpeeled to help them hold their shape and to retain their vibrant color.
What should I do if my plums are very soft?
If using soft plums, reduce the simmering time significantly to ensure they do not fall apart.
Can I substitute caster sugar with another sweetener?
You can use granulated sugar or honey, though the flavor and syrup consistency may vary slightly.
Is this dish suitable for brunch?
Absolutely, its elegant presentation and comforting flavors make it perfect for brunch gatherings.
What else can I use the leftover syrup for?
The leftover spiced syrup is delicious drizzled over pancakes, waffles, or even added to a cocktail.
How do I know when the sugar is fully dissolved?
Stir the mixture over medium heat until you can no longer see or feel the grains of sugar at the bottom of the pan.
Should I remove the spices before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to remove the star anise and cinnamon sticks before serving for a better eating experience.
Can I add other spices to this recipe?
Yes, spices like cardamom pods or cloves would complement the plums beautifully.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the primary ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use frozen plums?
Frozen plums can be used, but they may become softer than fresh plums when poached.
What category of meal is this?
This is primarily categorized as a breakfast dish, but it also works well as a dessert.
How long can I store the poached plums in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container in the syrup, they should last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic?
Apple cider vinegar can be used, but balsamic is preferred for its specific sweetness and color profile.
How do I prevent the plums from breaking?
Ensure you simmer them gently and avoid overstirring once the water has reached a boil.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a fruit-based dish that provides a nutritious and light start to the day.
What if I don't have cinnamon sticks?
You can use a half teaspoon of ground cinnamon, though the syrup will be slightly cloudy.
Can I use this recipe for other fruits?
Yes, this poaching method and spiced syrup work well with pears, peaches, or apricots.
Is it necessary to let the plums cool in the syrup?
Allowing them to cool in the syrup for a few minutes helps them soak up more flavor and settle their texture.