Nigella Pear Crumble

Name: Nigella's Pear Crumble
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: Serves 6
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 kg ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 100 g caster sugar; 150 g plain flour; 75 g cold unsalted butter, cubed; 50 g light brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 50 g rolled oats; Pinch of salt

Dive into the sweet and comforting world of Nigella Lawson's Pear Crumble, a dessert that combines the soft, succulent texture of pears with a crispy, flavorful crumble topping. This recipe is a testament to Nigella's flair for creating dishes that are both simple to prepare and utterly delightful to the palate.

Brief Description of the Recipe

The Pear Crumble is a classic dessert that perfectly captures the essence of home-cooked comfort food. It's made by layering slices of tender, lightly sweetened pears beneath a rich, buttery crumble topping. This dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a joy to make, filling your kitchen with the warm, inviting aromas of baking fruit and toasted crumble.

Cultural or Historical Context

Pear Crumble, much like its cousin the Apple Crumble, has roots in British cuisine, where crumbles became popular during World War II as a resourceful way to enjoy sweet dishes despite rationing. Nigella Lawson, a household name in the world of culinary arts, has put her unique spin on this traditional dessert, making it a beloved recipe in many homes.

Ingredients List

For the Pear Filling:

Pears: 1 kilogram, ripe but firm, peeled and sliced
Golden caster sugar: 75 grams
Boiling water: 75 milliliters
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Lemon juice: 2 teaspoons
Raspberries: 170 grams, fresh
White chocolate chips or chunks: 50 grams

For the Crumble:

Plain flour: 150 grams
Butter: 100 grams
Golden caster sugar: 100 grams
Rolled oats: 50 grams
White chocolate chips or chunks: 50 grams

Preparation Instructions

Preheat your oven and prepare a shallow baking dish.
Begin with the crumble, combining flour, butter, and sugar in a food processor until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs, then stir in oats and white chocolate.
Make a syrup by dissolving sugar in boiling water, adding vanilla and lemon juice, then pour it over the arranged pear slices in the dish.
Scatter raspberries and white chocolate over the pears, then cover with the crumble mixture.
Bake until the topping is crisp but not overly colored, about 45 minutes.

Storage and Reheating

Pear Crumble can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm throughout, ensuring the crumble retains its texture.

Nutritional Information

This dessert provides a good source of fiber from the pears and oats, with the butter and sugar contributing to its calorie content. For detailed nutritional values, consider the specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pears? Fresh pears are recommended for the best texture and flavor, but in a pinch, well-drained canned pears can be used.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free blend for the crumble topping.
Can I freeze Pear Crumble? Yes, it freezes well. Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.

The warmth and simplicity of Nigella Lawson's Pear Crumble make it an ideal dessert for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a festive gathering. Its blend of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors, accentuated by the rich crumble topping, is sure to delight anyone who tries it.

For a similar inspiration, the Pear and Chocolate Crumbles recipe offers a delightful twist, incorporating chocolate chips for an added layer of decadence. Meanwhile, for those seeking a different take, Great British Chefs provide an alternative Pear Crumble recipe, highlighting the versatility of this beloved dessert.

Enjoy the process of creating this comforting dish, and let the delicious results bring joy to your table.