Experience the delightful combination of steamed Asian pear and rock sugar. This tender and juicy dessert offers a perfect balance of flavors, with the natural sweetness of the pear enhanced by the subtle infusion of rock sugar. It’s a simple yet satisfying treat that brings nourishment and delight to your palate.

WHAT IS ASIAN PEAR?

Asian pear, also known as Chinese pear, Korean pear, or Nashi pear, is a fruit that belongs to the species Pyrus pyrifolia. It is native to East Asia and is widely cultivated in countries like China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.

Asian pears have a round shape and a crisp, juicy texture. They are known for their distinct flavor that is both sweet and slightly tangy. The skin of Asian pears is thin and can range in color from yellow to green, depending on the variety.

These pears are often enjoyed fresh, as they have a refreshing and thirst-quenching quality. They can be eaten as a snack, used in salads, or incorporated into various dishes and desserts. Asian pears are also popular in traditional Asian medicine due to their perceived health benefits.

In terms of substitutes, if Asian pears are not available, you can use other varieties of pears such as Bartlett pears, Bosc pears, or Anjou pears, although they may have slightly different textures and flavors.

INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTES

Ingredient quantities please refer to the recipes card (Click here)!

• Asian Pear – Asian pears, also known as Chinese pears or Korean pears, are a variety of pear that originates from East Asia. They have a round shape, crisp texture, and a sweet, juicy flavor. Asian pears are often used in both sweet and savory dishes. If you’re unable to find Asian pears, you can substitute them with other pear varieties like Bartlett or Anjou, although the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
• Goji Berries – Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are small red berries that are native to China. They have a slightly sweet and tangy taste and are often used in traditional Chinese medicine for their potential health benefits. Goji berries can be eaten on their own as a snack, or they can be added to various dishes such as desserts, salads, and smoothies. If goji berries are not available, you can substitute them with red dates.
• Rock Sugar – Rock sugar, also known as rock candy or crystal sugar, is a type of sugar that is formed into large crystalline chunks. It has a subtle sweetness and adds a unique texture to dishes. Rock sugar is commonly used in Asian cooking, particularly in sweet soups, desserts, and beverages. If you don’t have rock sugar, you can substitute it with regular granulated sugar or brown sugar, although the texture and sweetness may vary slightly.

RECIPES TIPS

• Choose ripe Asian pears for the best flavor and texture. Look for pears that are firm but slightly soft to the touch.
• Adjust the amount of rock sugar to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, add more rock sugar. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter sweetness, reduce the amount.
• Experiment with different variations by adding other ingredients such as dried goji berries or a touch of ginger for added depth of flavor.
• Steaming time may vary depending on the size and ripeness of the pear. Check the tenderness of the pear using a skewer or toothpick. It should glide through easily when the pear is fully cooked.
• Allow the steamed pear to cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Full recipes and Thermomix® instructions please refer to the recipes card (Click here!)!

1. Cut off the top of the pear and set it aside. Use a spoon to scoop out the core of the pear, creating a hollow space in the center.
2. Fill the hollow space with rock sugar and goji berries, ensuring it is evenly distributed. The amount of rock sugar can be adjusted based on your desired level of sweetness.
3. Place the top of the pear back on, covering the filled hollow space.
4. Prepare a steamer by filling a pot or steamer basket with water and bringing it to a boil.
5. Once the water is boiling, carefully place the pear inside the steamer. Cover the steamer with a lid.
6. Steam the pear for about 60 minutes, or until the pear becomes soft and tender. You can check the doneness by inserting a skewer or toothpick into the pear. It should glide through easily when the pear is fully cooked.
7. Once the pear is steamed to your desired tenderness, remove it from the steamer and allow it to cool slightly.
8. Serve the steamed Asian pear with rock sugar warm or chilled. You can optionally drizzle some of the syrup created by the melted rock sugar over the pear for added sweetness.
9. Enjoy the steamed Asian pear as a delightful and nourishing dessert on its own.

WHAT ELSE TO SERVE WITH ?

Steamed Asian pear with rock sugar can be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing dessert. However, if you’re looking to serve it as part of a larger meal or want to add some variety to your presentation, here are a few ideas for accompaniments:

1. Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted almond slices or crushed pistachios over the steamed pear to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
2. Honey Drizzle: Drizzle a touch of honey over the steamed pear to enhance its natural sweetness and add a hint of floral flavor.
3. Fresh Mint Leaves: Garnish the plate with a few fresh mint leaves to add a refreshing and aromatic element to the dessert.
4. Citrus Zest: Grate a bit of lemon or orange zest over the steamed pear to add a bright and citrusy twist.
5. Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top of the steamed pear for a tropical and slightly sweet accent.

These additional accompaniments can complement the flavors of the steamed Asian pear and provide extra layers of taste and texture to the overall dessert experience. Choose one or a combination of these suggestions based on your preferences and enjoy a well-rounded and satisfying dessert.

MADE AHEAD INSTRUCTIONS

1. Follow the recipe instructions for steaming the Asian pear with rock sugar as usual.
2. Once the pear is steamed and cooked to your desired tenderness, remove it from the steamer and allow it to cool completely.
3. Once cooled, transfer the steamed pear along with any accumulated syrup into an airtight container.
4. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
5. When ready to serve, you can enjoy the steamed pear directly from the refrigerator or allow it to come to room temperature for a few minutes if you prefer it less chilled.

By preparing the steamed pear ahead of time, you can save time and have a ready-to-enjoy dessert whenever you desire. Simply take it out of the refrigerator, plate it with your desired accompaniments, and savor the flavors of this delicious treat.

STORAGE & REHEATING

1. Storage: If you have leftover steamed Asian pear with rock sugar, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to separate any additional accompaniments or garnishes, such as whipped cream or ice cream, and store them separately.
2. Properly stored, the steamed pear can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to consume it within the first day for the freshest taste and texture.
3. Reheating: When ready to enjoy the leftover steamed pear, there’s no need to reheat it. The pear can be eaten chilled straight from the refrigerator, maintaining its tender texture and refreshing flavor.
4. Accompaniments: If you have stored any additional accompaniments separately, such as whipped cream or ice cream, you can add them to the steamed pear just before serving. This ensures that the accompaniments maintain their desired consistency and taste.
5. Garnishes: If you stored the steamed pear with any garnishes, such as mint leaves or toasted nuts, you can choose to add them fresh or replace them with new ones for optimal presentation.

By following these storage and reheating instructions, you can enjoy the leftover steamed Asian pear with rock sugar while maintaining its delicious qualities.

RECIPES FAQS

Can I use a different variety of pear instead of Asian pear?

While Asian pear is commonly used in this recipe for its crisp and juicy texture, you can experiment with other varieties of pears as substitutes. However, keep in mind that the taste and texture may vary.

Can I use brown sugar instead of rock sugar?

Yes, you can use brown sugar as a substitute for rock sugar. Keep in mind that brown sugar has a slightly different flavor profile, so it may alter the taste of the dish slightly.

Is it necessary to peel the Asian pear?

Peeling the Asian pear is recommended to achieve a smoother texture in the final dish. However, if you prefer to keep the peel for added visual appeal and texture, you can leave it on.

Can I steam the pear for a shorter or longer time?

The recommended steaming time in the recipe is a guideline, and the actual cooking time may vary depending on the size and ripeness of the pear. You can adjust the steaming time to achieve your desired level of tenderness. Just ensure that the pear is fully cooked and soft when tested with a skewer or toothpick.

Can I serve the steamed pear with other toppings?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests serving the steamed pear as is, you can get creative with additional toppings or accompaniments. Consider options like a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dollop of yogurt or ice cream for added flavor and texture.

Can I adjust the portion size of the recipes?

You can adjust the recipe by clicking the serving size in the recipe in recipes card to your liking!
If you can find the exact portion that you like, you can, also, adjust this in manual mode. However keep in mind that the Varoma dish can only fit up to 3 pears.

This recipes is compatible with which model of Thermomix®?

This recipes suitable for TM31 / TM5 / TM6

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