Spiced Pear Compote

We may not always consider pears to make a compote, but as they are generally sweeter than the more traditional apples, they work well combined with spices for a delicious pear compote that you can keep in the fridge and use all week. You’ve then got a versatile dessert, pancake or porridge topping or simply with a dollop of natural yoghurt for a healthy dessert to finish off your meal. This recipe does of course work equally well using apples, or indeed a combination!

This tasty pear compote is rich in fibre and vitamin C and will keep in the fridge for a good 7-10 days; if it lasts that long!

Are apples better than pears nutritionally? No, they have similar health benefits. Both apples and pears contain pectin, a fibre that will help our gut bacteria flourish.

To make this spiced Pear Compote, you’ll need:

• 4 ripe, but firm pears
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 star anise
• 2 cardamon pods, slightly crushed
• ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 small vanilla bean; split with the seeds scraped out. Use the pod too.

 

Making this pear compote couldn’t be simpler…

Core and chop into bite-size chunks, with the skin on

Combine all the ingredients (including the vanilla seeds and pod if using) in a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 15-20 minutes, stirring often until the pears are soft, but still retain their shape.

Remove the cinnamon stick, star anise (and vanilla pod) and set aside to cool. Serve slightly warm or cold.

Depending on how sweet your pears were, you may prefer a slightly sweeter compote; feel free to add in 1 or 2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup.

Tip: Count the star anise in, so you can make sure you remove them all before serving!

 

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