I love pears – they are sweet, juicy and oh-so-delicious! But sometimes, I’m in the mood for something warm and comforting. That’s when I turn to cooking my pears in the microwave. It’s quick, easy, and brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit. In this article, I’ll share with you my go-to recipe for cooking pears in the microwave.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the ingredients we’ll need. For this simple recipe, you’ll only need a few things:
– Pears:
Choose ripe pears that are firm but not too soft. I usually prefer using Bartlett or Anjou pears for this recipe.
– Lemon juice:
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon to add a touch of acidity and prevent browning.
– Cinnamon:
A sprinkle of cinnamon adds warmth and enhances the natural flavors of the pears.
– Sugar:
Depending on your preference, you can add a teaspoon or two of sugar to sweeten the pears.
Prepare the Pears
Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare the pears. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Wash the pears thoroughly
Start by giving the pears a good rinse under cold water. This will remove any dirt or residue from the skin.
Step 2: Peel or leave the skin
Next, decide whether you want to peel the pears or leave the skin on. Personally, I like to leave the skin on for added texture and nutritional benefits. If you prefer a smoother texture, feel free to peel the pears.
Step 3: Core the pears
Using a sharp knife or a melon baller, remove the core and seeds from the pears. You can either slice the pears in half and scoop out the core or use a corer to remove it.
Step 4: Slice the pears
Now, slice the pears into thin wedges or chunks, whichever you prefer. Keep in mind that thinner slices will cook faster in the microwave.
Cooking the Pears in the Microwave
With the pears prepped and ready, it’s time to cook! Follow these simple steps to microwave your pears to perfection:
Step 1: Place the pears in a microwave-safe dish
Arrange the sliced pears in a microwave-safe dish. Make sure the pears are evenly spread out to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Drizzle lemon juice over the pears
Squeeze the lemon juice over the pears to prevent them from browning. The acidity of the lemon juice adds a lovely tang to the sweetness of the fruit.
Step 3: Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over the pears
For added flavor, sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar over the pears. The cinnamon adds warmth and the sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit. Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste.
Step 4: Microwave on high
Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave the pears on high for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender.
Serving Suggestions
Once your pears are cooked to perfection, there are several ways you can enjoy them:
– Serve as a dessert:
Top your warm, cooked pears with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious dessert.
– Add to oatmeal or yogurt:
Sprinkle the cooked pears over a bowl of hot oatmeal or stir them into your favorite yogurt for a delightful breakfast.
– Use as a topping:
Pair your cooked pears with pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a tasty and healthy topping.
Conclusion
Cooking pears in the microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delightful fruit. With just a few ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can create a warm and comforting treat. So, next time you’re craving something sweet and cozy, give this microwave recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!