I’ve written about pears many times this Fall. Since having fruit trees in our backyard, I’ve been faced with the predicament of needing to come up with ways to use it all before our bounty over-ripens and rots. I hate the thought of wasting delicious, local and unadulterated fruit.
One night, inspired to use jarred applesauce as part of my dinner, I took one look at our fruit basket and my waste-not declaration had me considering pears as an alternative. After a brief trial over the stove, I concluded that savory homemade pear puree is the new Mott’s applesauce-- in my opinion, anyway.
You could leave out the onions and play up the sweeter notes for a dessert, perhaps adding a dollop of mascarpone and a sprinkling of toasted almonds, but for my dinner it was perfect as a base for some white beans, roasted butternut squash, sage and hazelnuts. You could also serve it, savory-style, on toasts with some parmesan cheese.
Applesauce is a classic addition to baked goods, able to replace half the fat in any recipe and contributing spring and moisture. With a sweet pear puree instead, I’m sure any muffin or bread with toasted walnuts in it would instantly improve. To be sure, I’m trying this the next time I make it.
Savory Pear Puree with Warm Spices
Tired of plain old applesauce from a jar? Use in-season pears for a homemade & decadent take on fruit purees. Play around with spices and additions-- the possibilities are endless.
Ingredients:
about 1/3 cup chopped yellow onion
2 pears, cored and chopped
juice from 1/2 lemon
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/3 cup water
2 Tbsp raw honey (or you could use brown sugar or maple syrup)
Directions:
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, saute onion in a tablespoon of olive oil or butter until it starts to brown, 5-7 minutes.
Add pears, lemon juice and spices, stirring to combine.
After a few minutes, add water and honey (or sweetener of choice), reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes (depending on how much time you have) to allow the pears to soften.
Puree in a food processor to desired consistency. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to one week.
© The Chocolate Fig