Pescatarian Honey Poached Pears with Ginger & Ceylon Cinnamon
Poached pears have a way of feeling effortlessly elegant, and this version earns every bit of that reputation. The poaching liquid is a fragrant blend of honey, fresh ginger, lemon zest, and a Ceylon cinnamon stick — a softer, more floral variety of cinnamon that keeps the flavor delicate rather than sharp. A pinch of ground turmeric adds a subtle warmth and a gorgeous golden hue to the syrup without overpowering the fruit. Once the pears are tender and silky, the liquid gets reduced down into a glossy, spoonable syrup that clings beautifully to every bite. This is the kind of dessert that looks like it took serious effort but comes together with nothing more than a saucepan and a little patience. It's naturally free of meat and seafood, so it fits comfortably into a plant-forward pescatarian table without any substitutions or workarounds. Finish with a few fresh mint leaves and you have a showstopper that's as lovely to look at as it is to eat.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 firm-ripe bosc or anjou pears
- 3 cups water
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 ceylon cinnamon stick
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 strips lemon zest (each about 3 inches long), pith removed
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
For serving
- fresh mint leaves, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the water, honey, Ceylon cinnamon stick, ginger slices, lemon zest, lemon juice, and turmeric in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring once or twice, until the honey is fully dissolved and the liquid is fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- 2
Add the pear halves cut-side down in a single layer. The poaching liquid should come at least halfway up the sides of the pears; add a splash more water if needed. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently, uncovered, turning the pears once halfway through, until a paring knife slides into the thickest part with no resistance, 18–22 minutes depending on ripeness.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!