Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium-sized ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons chai tea leaves (or 2 chai tea bags)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (for serving)
- Chopped nuts (like pistachios or almonds, for garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Select ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou recommended).
- Rinse pears under cold water and peel carefully, leaving stems intact.
- Cut a small slice off the bottom of each pear for stability.
- Combine lemon juice with a little water in a bowl and place peeled pears in the mixture to prevent browning.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Add chai tea leaves (or tea bags), cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and vanilla extract. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and let spices steep for about 10 minutes.
- Carefully add pears to the simmering poaching liquid, ensuring they are fully submerged. Use a small plate if necessary.
- Poach pears gently for 20-30 minutes until tender but not mushy. Check doneness with a knife.
- Remove pears with a slotted spoon and place on a plate to cool.
- Increase heat under poaching liquid and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until syrupy.
- Remove from heat and let syrup cool. Strain out spices if desired.
- Place a poached pear upright on a dessert plate and drizzle with chai syrup.
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt next to the pear.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts over the yogurt and pear.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Notes
- This dessert is best served warm or at room temperature.
- Leftover poached pears can be stored in the refrigerator in their syrup for up to three days.
- Reheat pears gently in the microwave or enjoy them cold.
- For an indulgent treat, serve with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes