Spiced Persian Poached Pears with Saffron and Pistachios

Ingredients

• 4 large ripe pears, peeled, cored, and halved
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads, lightly crushed
• 1 cinnamon stick cinnamon
• 4 pods cardamom, crushed
• 1 cup pistachios, chopped
• 1 teaspoon rose water

Method

1. 01
   In a large saucepan, combine the water, sugar, lemon juice, saffron, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. 02
   Add the peeled, cored, and halved pears to the simmering syrup. Ensure they are fully submerged. You may need to adjust the position of the pears occasionally.
3. 03
   Cover the saucepan and allow the pears to poach for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. 04
   Once the pears are cooked, carefully remove them from the liquid and set them aside on a serving dish.
5. 05
   Increase the heat and let the poaching liquid boil until it reduces by half, forming a syrup. This should take about 10 minutes.
6. 06
   Stir in the rose water into the syrup and remove from heat.
7. 07
   Pour the saffron syrup over the poached pears and sprinkle with chopped pistachios before serving.