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Healthy Recipes · Desserts

Cardamom-Poached Pears with Pistachios

Serves 2 · About 45 minutes

Tender pears poached with cardamom, cinnamon, orange and vanilla, finished with pistachios and a spoonful of yogurt.

Cardamom-Poached Pears with Pistachios

Poached Pears

  • 2 firm-ripe Bosc or Anjou pears
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey HA
  • 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 wide strips orange peel
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Small pinch of salt

For Serving

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted pistachios, chopped HA
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt, optional HA
  • Finely grated orange zest

Directions

  1. Prepare the pears. Peel the pears while leaving the stems attached. Slice a thin piece from each bottom so the pears stand upright, then remove the cores from the bottom with a melon baller or small spoon.
  2. Build the poaching liquid. Combine the water, orange juice, maple syrup or honey, cardamom, cinnamon, orange peel, vanilla and salt in a narrow saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Poach. Add the pears and cover with a circle of parchment or a small heatproof plate to keep them mostly submerged. Simmer gently for 20–30 minutes, turning occasionally, until a knife slides easily into the thickest part.
  4. Reduce the syrup. Transfer the pears to serving bowls. Boil the poaching liquid uncovered for 6–10 minutes until lightly syrupy, then strain.
  5. Serve. Spoon the warm syrup over each pear and finish with pistachios, orange zest and optional yogurt. Serve warm, room temperature or chilled.
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A friendly note: These recipes are offered for general wellness inspiration. Individual nutrition needs and food restrictions vary; ask your healthcare professional for personalized guidance.