Saffron & Honey Poached Pears with Pistachio Crumble
Delicate pears are gently poached in a fragrant saffron and honey syrup, infused with a hint of lemon zest. Served warm, they are crowned with a crunchy, toasted pistachio and almond crumble for a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.

Prep Time
40 min
Difficulty
Easy
Servings
4
Calories
320 kcal
Instructions
- 1
Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. If desired, you can carefully core them from the bottom.
~5 min - 2
In a medium saucepan, combine water, honey, saffron threads, and lemon zest. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until honey is dissolved.
~5 min - 3
Carefully place the prepared pears into the simmering syrup. Ensure they are mostly submerged. Reduce heat to low, cover, and poach for 20-25 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife.
~25 min - 4
While the pears are poaching, prepare the crumble. In a small bowl, combine the chopped pistachios, slivered almonds, and all-purpose flour. Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until the ingredients are well coated and form coarse crumbs.
~5 min - 5
Once the pears are tender, remove them from the syrup using a slotted spoon and set aside. Increase the heat of the syrup slightly and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken into a light sauce.
~5 min - 6
To serve, place a poached pear in each serving bowl. Spoon some of the thickened saffron syrup over the pear. Generously sprinkle the pistachio and almond crumble on top.
~2 min
Tips
- For a more intensely spiced syrup, add a cinnamon stick or a star anise to the poaching liquid. Remove before serving.
- The leftover poaching syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week and used as a delightful drizzle for yogurt or ice cream.
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