Stewed pears recipe: everything you need to know

Stewed pears—who hasn't heard of them? They're a delicious dish that's especially popular in autumn and winter. Stewed pears are perfect for when you have guests or just want a tasty dessert. But what exactly are stewed pears, and why are they so popular during autumn and winter? In this blog post, we'll tell you everything you need to know about stewed pears and share the recipe with you.

What are stewing pears?

Stewing pears are pears grown specifically for stewing. These pears have a hard texture and are often not very tasty raw. But once you stew them, their texture changes and they develop a delicious flavor.

Why are stewed pear recipes popular in autumn and winter?

Stewed pear recipes are popular in autumn and winter because they're a warming dish. They're perfect for cold days and give you a warm feeling inside. Stewed pears are also incredibly versatile, and you can make many different variations.

The story behind the stewed pear

Did you know that stewed pears are centuries old? It's a dish that was already eaten in the Middle Ages. Back then, stewed pears were often used as a remedy for stomach and intestinal complaints. Today, they're primarily eaten as a dessert.

Which pears are suitable for stewing?

Not all pears are suitable for stewing. It's important to choose pears that are firm and not overly ripe. The best pears for stewing are Gieser Wildeman and Saint-Rémy.

How do you peel stewing pears?

Peeling pears for stewing is a time-consuming task, but it's essential. First, wash the pears thoroughly and then peel them with a vegetable peeler. It's important to remove all the skin, as this can affect the flavor of the dish.

Ingredients for stewed pears

• 750 grams of stewing pears
• 250 ml red wine
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 star anise (optional)
• 160 grams of sugar

Basic recipe for stewing pears

Stewed pears are a classic and delicious winter treat. Making stewed pears is not only easy but also incredibly fun. This basic recipe will teach you how to make perfect stewed pears. The key to success is patience and time. The pears should be stewed slowly so that the flavors are fully absorbed and the pears become wonderfully soft.

Start by peeling the pears with a paring knife . Place the pears in a large saucepan and add the red wine, sugar, cloves, cinnamon stick, lemon zest, and optional star anise. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. It's important to cook the pears slowly so they don't fall apart and retain their shape. Simmer the pears for at least 2 hours. When the pears are tender, remove them from the pan and reduce the braising liquid until it thickens. Pour the braising liquid over the pears and serve warm.

Making stewed pears according to grandma's recipe

There's nothing quite like the taste of stewed pears made according to Grandma's recipe. The secret ingredient? Love! Grandma knew exactly how to peel, cut, and cook the pears to create the perfect flavor. And now you can too! Just follow her simple steps and savor the delicious flavor of stewed pears just like Grandma used to make. Close your eyes and be transported back in time, as the aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafts over you. This is the kind of comfort food you'll always want to eat. And who knows, maybe you can pass this recipe on to the next generation, ensuring the taste of Grandma's stewed pears is never lost.

Ingredients

• 1 kg stewing pears (e.g. Gieser Wildeman)
• 750 ml red wine or water
• 150-200 grams of sugar (depending on your preference)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise
• 2 cloves
• 1 lemon peel
• Optional: a dash of port for extra flavour

Preparation method

Preparation	Peel the pears, but leave the stems on. If you want to keep the pears whole, you can leave them as is, but you can also cut them into quarters or halves, depending on your preference.
To cook	Place the peeled pears in a large saucepan. Add the red wine (or water) and sugar, making sure the pears are almost completely covered.
Add herbs	Add the cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves and lemon zest to the pan.
Stewing	Bring to a boil and then simmer over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The pears should be tender but not falling apart. Cooking time may vary depending on the type of pear and the size of the pieces.
Check	Check the pears occasionally to see if they're tender by poking them with a fork. Add more water or wine during cooking if the liquid evaporates too much.
Serve	Once cooked, remove the pears from the pan and arrange them on a serving platter. They're delicious hot or cold. You can also reduce the cooking liquid to a syrup and pour it over the pears for added flavor.
Save	If you have any leftovers, you can store the stewed pears with the syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator. They will keep for several days and can be eaten cold or reheated.

Enjoy your meal!

Can you make stewed pears without wine?

Looking for a wine-free stewed pear recipe ? Don't worry, you're not alone. Whether you don't want to use alcohol in your dishes or simply don't like the flavor, there are plenty of alternatives to make delicious stewed pears. For example, you can use apple juice, berry juice, or grape juice as a replacement for the wine. This will give the stewed pears that characteristic sweet flavor without the added alcohol. It's important to remember, however, that adding juice can affect the flavor of the stewed pears. So feel free to experiment with different juices and discover which flavors suit you best. And who knows, you might even discover a new favorite way to make stewed pears without wine!

How do I get my stewed pears red?

Red stewed pears are not only delicious, but also look stunning on the table. But how exactly do you get that beautiful red color? The secret lies in adding red wine or berry juice during the cooking process. This not only imparts a wonderful flavor but also gives the pears their characteristic red color. Want to make your pears even redder? Add a little red food coloring to the cooking liquid. This will definitely intensify the color. But remember: ultimately, the goal is for the pears to taste delicious, not just look pretty on the table. So feel free to experiment and discover which flavors and colors best suit your taste. And who knows, you might even surprise your guests with your own unique twist on the traditional pear stew recipe!

Can you make stewed pears in a steam oven?

A steam oven is a fantastic invention for the modern kitchen. Steaming vegetables and fish is now a familiar phenomenon, but can you also prepare stewed pears in it? The answer is yes! The advantage of steaming pears is that the pears are cooked very gently and retain their shape better than when cooked in a traditional pan. The stewed pears also retain more of their flavor and nutrients because they aren't lost in the cooking liquid. To prepare stewed pears in a steam oven, peel the pears and remove the cores. Place the stewed pears in a steamer pan and add the cooking liquid. Then steam the pears for about 1 hour at 100 degrees Celsius. And voilà, you have deliciously tender and flavorful stewed pears, ready to enjoy!

Variations for stewed pears recipe

Now that you've mastered the basic recipe for stewed pears, it's time to experiment with different variations. Here are a few suggestions:

Stewed pears with red wine and cinnamon

Add cinnamon to the basic recipe for an extra autumnal flavor. Let the stewed pears simmer for about 2 hours.

Stewed pears with port and star anise

Make the stewed pears extra festive by adding port and star anise to the basic recipe. For example, add one star anise and 250 ml of port to the basic recipe. Let the stewed pears simmer for about 2 hours.

Stewed pears with ginger and orange

Make the stewed pears a bit fresher by adding ginger and orange to the basic recipe. For example, add 2 cm of grated ginger and the juice and zest of 1 orange to the basic recipe. Let the stewed pears simmer for about 2 hours.

Stewed pears with red currant juice

Substitute red currant juice for the red wine for a non-alcoholic version. For example, add 250 ml of red currant juice and a cinnamon stick to the basic recipe. Simmer the pears for about 2 hours.

Stewed pears with chocolate

Make the stewed pears extra decadent by adding chocolate to the basic recipe. For example, add 50 grams of dark chocolate to the basic recipe and let the stewed pears simmer for about 2 hours.

Serving tips for a stewed pear recipe

Stewed pears are delicious as a side dish, but can also be served as a dessert or paired with cheese. Below are some suggestions:

• Stewed pears with vanilla ice cream : serve the stewed pears warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
• Stewed pears with meat dishes : stewed pears go perfectly with game dishes such as venison steak , wild boar or even chicken.
• Stewed pears with cheese boards : serve the stewed pears with a cheese board for a delicious combination of sweet and savoury.

Are stewing pears healthy?

Stewed pears are high in fiber and a good source of vitamins B and C. They're also low in calories. Unfortunately, adding sugar and alcohol to the basic recipe diminishes the health benefits of stewed pears. So, eat stewed pears in moderation and choose a sugar- and alcohol-free version if you're looking after your health.

Can you freeze stewing pears?

Of course, you can freeze stewed pears ! It would be a shame to throw away all those delicious stewed pears if you don't finish them all. Just make sure you freeze them correctly, otherwise you risk losing their flavor and texture. You can cook the stewed pears in their cooking liquid. Let the pears cool completely first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Don't forget to mark the date on the container or bag so you remember when you froze them. This way, you can enjoy the delicious flavor of stewed pears for longer!