Sesame Free Spiced Poached Pears in Pomegranate Juice
Few desserts feel as quietly impressive as a perfectly poached pear, and this version delivers on every level. Firm Bosc or Anjou pears are simmered low and slow in a heady bath of pomegranate juice, grape juice, honey, cinnamon, star anise, ginger, and orange zest until they turn jewel-deep and silky all the way through. The poaching liquid is then reduced into a glossy, spiced syrup that gets spooned right back over the fruit — no thickeners, no fuss, just pure concentrated flavor. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of sesame, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden tahini or sesame oil sneaking into a sauce. The whole spices do all the heavy lifting, building warmth and complexity without a single processed shortcut. A scatter of pomegranate arils and roughly chopped pistachios on top adds color and a little crunch if you want to dress things up for company. It's the kind of elegant, unfussy dessert that looks like you spent far more effort than you actually did.
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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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