Gluten Free Spiced Poached Pears in Pomegranate Juice
Poached pears are one of those desserts that look impossibly fancy but come together with very little fuss, and this version is genuinely stunning. Firm Bosc or Anjou pears are simmered low and slow in a heady bath of pomegranate juice, grape juice, honey, cinnamon, star anise, fresh ginger, and a strip of orange zest until they turn a deep jewel-toned burgundy and practically melt on the fork. The reduced poaching liquid becomes a glossy, spiced syrup you spoon right over the top — no thickeners, no flour, no starch needed, just time and heat doing all the work. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of gluten, so there's nothing to swap or second-guess, which makes this an effortless choice when you're cooking for someone with dietary restrictions or just want a dessert that's as clean as it is beautiful. A scatter of pomegranate arils and roughly chopped pistachios at the end adds a little crunch and a pop of color that takes the whole plate to another level. Serve them warm for a cozy autumn dinner party finish, or let them cool to room temperature and let the syrup soak in even deeper — either way, they're absolutely worth making.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 firm bosc or anjou pears
- 2 cups 100% pomegranate juice
- 1 cup 100% purple grape juice
- 1 cup water
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole star anise
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 whole black peppercorns
- 1 strip orange zest (about 3 inches), pith removed
For serving
- 2 tbsp pomegranate arils (optional)
- 2 tbsp dry-roasted pistachios, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Peel the pears, halve them lengthwise, and use a melon baller or small spoon to scoop out the core and seeds. Leave the stems on if you prefer a more elegant presentation.
- 2
Combine the pomegranate juice, grape juice, water, honey, cinnamon sticks, star anise, ginger slices, peppercorns, and orange zest strip in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring once or twice until the honey dissolves, about 3–4 minutes.
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