Imagine a dessert that transforms ordinary pears into a symphony of warm, exotic flavors that dance on your palate. This Gluten Free Chai Spiced Pear Skillet is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that marries the comforting richness of caramelized fruit with the intoxicating warmth of chai spices. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a dessert so stunning, it'll make your taste buds sing and your dinner guests wonder if you've secretly trained in a gourmet kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears, sliced
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing and slicing the pears into even, medium-thick wedges. Ensure pears are ripe but still firm to maintain their shape during cooking.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine ground cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom to create the chai spice blend. Set aside.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Add coconut oil and allow it to melt completely, coating the bottom of the pan.
- Carefully arrange the pear slices in a single layer within the skillet. Sprinkle the prepared chai spice mixture evenly over the pears.
- Cook the pears for approximately 5-7 minutes, allowing them to caramelize and develop a golden-brown color. Gently flip the pears halfway through cooking to ensure even caramelization.
- Drizzle maple syrup over the pears, ensuring each slice is lightly coated. The syrup will help create a rich, glossy finish and enhance the natural sweetness of the fruit.
- Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the maple syrup to reduce and create a light sauce around the pears.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the pears during the final minute of cooking, allowing them to lightly toast and become fragrant.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the pears rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Serve warm directly from the skillet, optionally garnishing with additional chopped walnuts or a light dusting of extra chai spices.
Tips
- Pear Selection is Key: Choose ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape during cooking. Varieties like Bosc or Anjou work beautifully.
- Spice Freshness Matters: Use freshly ground spices if possible for the most vibrant chai flavor profile.
- Pan Temperature Control: Maintain a medium heat to achieve perfect caramelization without burning the pears.
- Don't Rush the Caramelization: Allow pears to develop a golden-brown color slowly for maximum flavor development.
- Maple Syrup Tip: Add syrup gradually and watch carefully to prevent burning and achieve a perfect glossy finish.
- Nut Toasting Trick: Add walnuts in the last minute of cooking to prevent burning while releasing their rich, toasty flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and most intense flavor experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 215kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
