Rice with dried plums

Delicious Caramelized Pears Recipe - Quick and Simple Dessert

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Caramelized pears are a refined dessert, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself after a long day. This recipe is simple and quick, offering an explosion of flavors, even when you have just a few ingredients on hand. Plus, you can adapt the recipe to fit a fasting diet by omitting the butter.

Ingredients:
- 4 ripe pears (choose Williams or Conference pears for a sweet and juicy taste)
- 150 g sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for a vegan version, omit this ingredient)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for an extra flavor boost)
- A splash of lemon juice (to prevent the pears from oxidizing)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the pears: Wash the pears well and cut them in half, removing the seeds. If you wish, you can peel them, but the skin adds a rustic look and pleasant texture. Drizzle with a little lemon juice to prevent oxidation.

2. Caramelizing the sugar: In a deep skillet or saucepan, add the sugar and place it over medium heat. Allow the sugar to melt without stirring, but you can gently swirl the pan from time to time to help it melt evenly. When the sugar turns golden, it's time to add the butter if you choose to use it. This will add a delicious creaminess to the caramel.

3. Adding the water: Once the sugar is caramelized, remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully add the cup of water. You will notice that the sugar will initially harden, but don't worry, it will dissolve again when you place the saucepan back on medium heat. Stir gently to achieve a smooth sauce.

4. Cooking the pears: Add the pears to the saucepan, ensuring they are well coated with the caramel sauce. Cook the pears for 10-15 minutes, turning them on each side to caramelize evenly. Add the cinnamon for an extra flavor boost if desired.

5. Serving: Once the pears are soft and glazed with caramel, remove them from the saucepan and place them on a plate. You can serve the caramelized pears warm, alongside vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for a refreshing contrast. For an elegant touch, you can sprinkle some toasted nuts or chocolate flakes on top.

Helpful tips:
- Make sure the pears are ripe but not too soft, so they hold their shape during cooking.
- You can experiment with other fruits, such as apples or peaches, using the same caramelization technique.
- If you prefer a sugar-free version, you can use natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, but adjust the amount according to taste.

Enjoy this quick and simple caramelized pear dessert that will bring a touch of refinement to any occasion!