Nitrate & Nitrite Free Spiced Poached Pears in Pomegranate Juice
Poached pears have a way of feeling impossibly fancy while actually being one of the more forgiving things you can make on the stovetop. Here, firm Bosc or Anjou pears are simmered low and slow in a deeply colored bath of pomegranate juice, grape juice, warm spices, and a touch of honey until they turn jewel-toned and silky all the way through. Cinnamon sticks, star anise, fresh ginger, and a strip of orange zest do the heavy lifting on flavor, building a poaching liquid that then gets reduced into a glossy, spoonable syrup. Every single ingredient in this recipe is naturally free of added preservatives — no cured meats, no processed shortcuts, just whole fruit, spices, and honey working together beautifully. The finishing scatter of pomegranate arils and dry-roasted pistachios adds a little crunch and brightness that makes each plate look like it came out of a restaurant kitchen. Serve them warm, at room temperature, or even chilled the next day — the pears only get better as they sit and soak up more of that ruby syrup.
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 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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!