Nigella Pear Cake

Discover the elegance and simplicity of Nigella Lawson's Pear, Pistachio, and Rose Cake, a recipe that combines the delicate flavors of pears and rosewater with the crunchy texture of pistachios. This cake offers a delightful taste experience, perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of sophistication.

Brief Description of the Pear, Pistachio, and Rose Cake

The Pear, Pistachio, and Rose Cake is a unique and flavorful dessert that showcases the harmonious blend of juicy pears, aromatic rosewater, and nutty pistachios. This cake is not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes, decorated with chopped pistachios and edible rose petals, making it a perfect centerpiece for your dining table.

Cultural or Historical Context

This cake, like many of Nigella Lawson's creations, is a testament to her ability to blend different culinary traditions and ingredients into a harmonious dish. The use of rosewater is a nod to Middle Eastern cuisine, where it's a common flavoring, while the combination of pears and pistachios adds a modern twist to traditional cake recipes.

Ingredients List

• For the Cake:
  • 200g caster sugar
  • 100g pistachios
  • Approximately 3 pears (450g total weight), cored and cut into chunks
  • 200g ground almonds
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • 6 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1½ tsp rosewater
• For the Topping:
  • 2 tsp apricot jam
  • ½ tsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ tsp rosewater
• To Decorate:
  • Chopped pistachios
  • Edible rose petals

Preparation Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare a springform cake tin by greasing and lining it.
2. Blend sugar and pistachios in a food processor, then add the remaining cake ingredients until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into the tin and bake. Once baked, allow to cool, then glaze with a mixture of apricot jam, lemon juice, and rosewater, and decorate with pistachios and rose petals.

Storage and Reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container in a cool place for up to 5 days. In hot weather, it's advisable to keep it in the fridge. The cake can be made a day ahead, enhancing its flavors and texture.

Nutritional Information

This recipe is rich in nutrients from almonds and pistachios, offering healthy fats, protein, and fiber. However, specific nutritional values will depend on the exact ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use canned pears? Yes, but fresh pears are recommended for the best texture and flavor.
• Is this cake gluten-free? By using gluten-free baking powder, this cake can easily be made gluten-free.

This delightful Pear, Pistachio, and Rose Cake by Nigella Lawson is sure to impress with its elegant appearance and exquisite blend of flavors​​​​.