Pistachio Free Honey Poached Pears with Ginger & Ceylon Cinnamon
Poached pears are one of those desserts that look impossibly elegant but come together with very little effort, and this version is genuinely stunning. Firm Bosc or Anjou pears simmer low and slow in a fragrant bath of honey, fresh ginger, Ceylon cinnamon, and a whisper of turmeric until they're silky and tender all the way through. Ceylon cinnamon is worth seeking out here — its softer, more floral character lets the honey and ginger shine without overwhelming the fruit. Once the pears are done, the poaching liquid gets reduced into a glossy, amber syrup that you spoon right over the top, making every bite rich and aromatic. The whole dish is built from whole, recognizable ingredients, so there's zero guesswork about what's in it — no hidden additives, no shared-facility concerns, just clean, beautiful flavors. A few fresh mint leaves scattered over the top before serving add a cool, bright contrast that pulls everything together. This is the kind of dessert that earns compliments without requiring a culinary degree.
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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.
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