Nigella Lawson Poached Pears

Dive into the elegance and simplicity of Nigella Lawson's Poached Pears, a classic dessert that embodies the essence of comfort and sophistication. Lawson's approach to this dish, as featured in her book "How to Eat" (1998), reflects her philosophy of making the most of simple ingredients to create something truly special. Here's a detailed exploration of this delightful dessert, from its cultural roots to its preparation and serving suggestions.

Poached Pears: A Brief Description

Nigella Lawson's Poached Pears are a testament to the transformative power of poaching, turning the humble pear into a dessert of sublime texture and flavor. Suitable for a range of occasions, this dish balances the natural sweetness of pears with the depth of a rich chocolate sauce, offering a near-instant pudding option that's both luxurious and nearly fat-free.

Cultural or Historical Context

Lawson reminisces about her grandmother preparing poached pears during her childhood, yet insists the dessert transcends nostalgia. It's a culinary solution to the often unpredictable ripeness of pears, with poaching ensuring their transformation into a succulently soft delight.

Ingredients for the Poached Pears

Pears: 4 firm varieties, such as Williams, peeled, halved, and cored. Alternatively, 1 to 2 tins (415 grams each) of pear halves in juice.
Lemon Juice: From 1 lemon to prevent discoloration.
Caster Sugar: 100 grams to sweeten the poaching liquid.
Vanilla Pod: 1 pod, split lengthways, or 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for flavoring.

Preparation Instructions

Prepare the Pears: If using fresh, peel, halve, and core them, then bathe in lemon juice.
Poach: Combine water, sugar, and vanilla in a pan. Bring to boil, add pears, and simmer until tender.
Chocolate Sauce: Melt dark chocolate with coffee, sugar, and cream to create a smooth sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Poached pears can be stored in their syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chocolate sauce also keeps well in the fridge and can be gently reheated.

Nutritional Information

This dessert offers a balance of sweetness and richness, with the exact nutritional content depending on the size of the pears and the specific ingredients used for the chocolate sauce.

FAQ about the Poached Pears

Can I use canned pears? Yes, Lawson herself endorses using canned pears for convenience without compromising on taste.
How do I prevent the pears from discoloring? Lemon juice is essential to maintaining the pears' appealing color during preparation.

In conclusion, Nigella Lawson's Poached Pears stand as a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking. This dessert, striking in its balance of flavors and textures, is a perfect example of Lawson's culinary philosophy: that cooking should always be a source of comfort and pleasure.