Sunday Treat – The Perseverance Of Pears

CELEBRITY MASTER CHEF DR. KAVIRAJ KHIALANI

The early Romans developed 50 varieties of pear and planted them across Europe. Though Pears are not better than apples. They have similar health benefits, though we know much more about how apples impact health than pears. In fact, research into the health benefits of pears is ongoing. Both apples and pears contain pectin, a fiber that nourishes gut bacteria. If the fruit is individual i.e. banana’s, apple’s, pear’s etc, it is bunch of banana’s or bag of pear’s etc. If they are placed in bowl or basket, the fruit is then called fruit bowl or fruit hamper.

In general, the pear tree thrives in cold and wet climate, where there is winter cold along with a cool summer. It is estimated that the popular pear varieties need about 400-800 hours of cold (exposure to temperatures below 45 °F or 7 °C) in order to have a regular development and fruition. Pears are one of nature’s healthiest options. They contain calcium, iron, and protein and are full of antioxidants and vitamins to support bone, heart, and tissue health. . Pears are even hypoallergenic, making it less likely for those with severe food allergies to have reactions from eating a pear.Pears are a refreshing anytime fruit but can often be overlooked. With summer coming up in a couple of months, right around the corner, what better time to learn about this refreshing fruit? Here are some pear facts to satisfy your hunger.

• While pears were first found in China, they are native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Today, the fruit is grown all over the world.
• There are more than 3,000 types of the fruit throughout the world. They can range from Anjou to Williams. Each type varies by size, shape, sweetness, and crispness.
• Pears are easy to grow and grow best in a temperate, cool climate. The fruit will ripen off the tree and in a warm area.
• There are a variety of ways to enjoy the fruit. They can be eaten fresh, canned, or baked into a yummy dessert.
• This fruit has numerous health benefits. They have high levels of vitamins and antioxidants and can also aide in digestion and weight loss.
• The wood from these fruit trees can be used to create instruments, furniture, and other items. China is the largest producer of pears in the world followed by Europe, with the United States coming in as the third largest producer.

Here are a few Health Benefits of PEARS

• Pears speed up healing in the body and they are also regarded as anti-inflammatory.
• Pears are known to be good in boosting our immunity levels in the body.
• Pears help control blood sugar level and also protect against free radicals.
• Pears help lower blood pressure in the body and also help reduce cholesterol levels
• Pears are good to relieve bowel movements and also prevents short breath
• Pears are regarded as high in fiber and also anti-aging
• Pears are good for weight loss and also help balance hormonal changes and activity.
• Pears are beneficial in improving bone health in our body.

Here are a few easy to make recipes using PEARS!

CHICKEN WITH HONEY PEPPER PEARS

Ingredients

Boneless chicken breasts- 400gms, cut into slices

Semi- ripe pears- 400gms, peeled and sliced

For the marination:

Oil- 2-3 tbsp.

Salt and pepper to taste

Mustard paste- 1 tsp

Lime juice- 2-3 tsp

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Honey- 2-3 tsp

White wine/ white vinegar- 1-2 tsp

Cinnamon powder-1/4 tsp

Parsley- 2-3 sprigs

For the cooking of the chicken

Butter-1-2 tsp

Bayleaf- 2 no

Peppercorns- 4-5 no

Garlic cloves- 3-4 no

Shallots- 4-6 no peeled, cut 1 x 2

Salt and pepper to taste

White stock/ chicken stock- 1 and half cup

Corn flour slurry- 2-3 tsp

Cherry tomatoes- 3-4 no

Method

• Prepare all the ingredients for the chicken recipe.
• In a mixing bowl combine together the ingredients for the marination and steep the chicken pieces in it for 20 mins.
• Heat up a little butter add in the garlic, shallots and add in the chicken pieces and cook them for 2-3 mins, add little stock, allow to cook for 4-5 mins, add in the pears, simmer for 2-3 mins add in the slurry thicken up a little, check for seasonings.
• Finally serve hot garnished with parsley, cherry tomatoes etc and enjoy it with some french bread/ garlic bread.

PEAR POMO SALSA

Ingredients

Pears- 2-3 medium sized, peeled and cut into small cubes

For the salsa

Olive oil/oil- 2-3 tbsp.

Tomatoes-1-2 small, red – ripe cut into small cubes

Garlic- 2-3 cloves, chopped

Onions- 1-2 small, chopped

Mint leaves- 10-12 no

Coriander leaves- 2-3 tbsp. chopped

Peanuts-2-3 tbsp. roasted and crushed

Lime juice- 2-3 tsp

White wine/vinegar-2-3 tsp

Salt and pepper to taste

Pineapple cubes- ½ cup chopped

Roasted crushed cumin powder-1/4 tsp

Chaat masala- ¼ tsp

Fresh pomegranate seeds-1/2 cup

Method

• Prepare all the ingredients for the Pear Pomo salsa.
• Heat oil in a pan add in the garlic, onions and saute for the a few seconds, add in the tomatoes, pineapple and all seasonings to taste.
• Cook the mixture for 2-3 mins, add in the pears and coriander, mint and spices to taste and mix well.
• Once cooked for 2-3 mins, turn off the flame and allow to cool, bring it to room temperature, add in the wine/vinegar to taste, add in fresh pomegranate seeds towards the end mix and serve with snacks/ starters.

NUTTY BAKED PEAR BOATS

Ingredients

Pears- 450- 500gms, semi ripe, cut 1 x 2

For the marination of the pears

Olive oil / peanut oil/ sesame oil- 2-3 tbsp.

Cumin powder- ¼ tsp

Fennel powder-1/4 tsp

Salt and pepper to taste

Chaat masala-1/4 tsp

Lime juice-2-3 tsp

Chopped parsley- 2-3 tsp

For the stuffing of the pears

Butter-1 tsp

Oil-1 tsp

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Onion-2-3 tbsp. chopped

Walnuts- ¼ cup chopped

Cottage cheese/ paneer-1/2 cup grated

Cream cheese- ½ cup

Green chilies-1 tsp chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Mixed herbs- ¼ tsp

Chili flakes-1/4 tsp

Red/yellow/capsicums- ¼ cup fine chopped

Method

• Prepare all the ingredients for the stuffed pears.
• Cut the pears into half each and remove the seeds, scoop out a little and apply the marination on the pears and chill for 20 mins.
• Heat oil and butter saute the garlic, onions, chilies, add in the capsicums, cook for 1-2 mins, add in the cottage cheese, salt, pepper, chili flakes, herbs and mix well. Cook for a minute and remove.
• Add in the walnuts, parsley, cream cheese and mix well. Stuff the pears with the prepared filling and place it in a pre-heated oven at 160 degree celsius for 18-20 mins. remove and serve warm with a dip/sauce for your choice.

PEAR AND AVOCADO SALAD BOWL

Ingredients

For the base of the salad

Iceberg lettuce/ Lollorosso/ cos/ greens- 1 cup as desired

For the body of the salad

Pears- 2-3 med sized, cut into slices/ wedges

Avocado- 1-2 med sized, peel and sliced

Green apple- 1 no, sliced sprinkle lime juice

Walnuts- 2-3 tbsp.

Raisins- 2-3 tbsp.

Celery- ¼ cup cut into pieces

For the dressing of the salad

Olive oil- 2-3 tbsp.

Lime juice- 2-3 tsp

White vinegar-1-2 tsp

Honey- 2-3 tsp

Chia seeds- 1-2 tsp, soaked in water for 20 mins

Flax seeds/ sunflower seeds- 1-2 tsp

For the garnish of the salad

Assorted greens/ micro greens/ nuts/ seeds- as desired.

Method

• Prepare all the elements of the parts of the salad.
• In a mixing bowl/ jar combine together the ingredients for the dressing and keep it chilled.
• On a serving plate, arrange the lettuce leaves and keep the salad plate ready.
• Just before serving, toss the body of the salad with a little dressing as per taste, toss well.
• Place the salad on the serving plate and garnish it appropriately and serve it immediately, this is a nice filling salad which can be enjoyed as a mini meal as well.

PEAR COLADA

Ingredients

Pears- 2-3 med sized, peeled and cut into cubes

Jaggery- ½ cup

Water-1/2 cup

Cinnamon stick- 1- inch piece

Brown sugar- 1-2 tsp

Honey-1-2 tsp

Banana- 1 ripe, peeled and sliced

Vegan milk/ soy milk/ milk- 3-4 cups

Almonds-2-3 tsp

Cashews-2-3 tsp

Yogurt- 2-3 tsp

Tender coconut malai- ¼ cup shredded

Mint leaves/ cherries/ nuts/ seeds- as desired to garnish.

Method

• In a pan combine together the pears, jaggery, sugar and water and add a piece of cinnamon into it and cook the pears for 10-12 mins. cool and puree the same and keep aside.
• In a blender jar now combine together the banana with nuts and cooked pears, add soy milk, yogurt, nuts and churn the mixture into a nice smooth drink.
• Taste for sweetness and balance, adjust the texture of the drink as needed and pour it into tall glasses and garnish the drink with tender coconut / sliced nuts/ seeds and fresh mint/cherries etc and enjoy it.

CHEESY PEAR CRUNCH BARS

Ingredients

Pears- 3-4 no, peeled and cut into cubes, poached for 10 mins

Butter- 1 cup

Brown sugar-1 cup

Crushed digestive biscuits- 1 cup

Crushed chocolate biscuits-1 cup

Cinnamon powder-1/4 tsp

Fresh whipped cream- 1 cup

Cream cheese- ¼ cup

Condensed milk-2-3 tbsp.

Almonds-2-3 tbsp. chopped

Pista-2-3 tsp, chopped

Raisins- 2-3 tsp chopped

Roasted crushed peanuts- 2-3 tbsp.

Cherries/ mint/ seeds of your choice for garnish

Method

• Prepare all the ingredients for the awesome and delicious dessert with pears.
• In a mixing bowl whip up together the fresh cream, condensed milk and cream cheese to a nice thick mix, and keep it chilled.
• In a pan, add butter, brown sugar, allow to melt, add in the crushed and powdered biscuit mixtures, cinnamon powder and press half of them down into a rectangle/ square mould to set.
• Place the poached pears with the cream mixture along with assorted chopped nuts on the bed of the crumb butter mix and top it up with more of the same to make it like a sandwich.5. Press it well, allow to chill for 1-2 hours, using a sharp knife dipped in hot water, ease out the sides, demould the sweet and cut into squares and serve it chilled/ room temperature.

Celebrity Master Chef Dr Kaviraj Khialani is a Mumbai-based hotel-restaurant and food consultant. He is specialised in over 33 international cuisines and has quality experience with hotels and airlines as a part of his long journey of over two decades in his chosen field. Chef Kaviraj is a renowned author, academician, food designer, writer and has also been awarded several national awards and global recognitions for his talent & outstanding achievements. Besides having been featured on several food shows on ColorsTV and Star Plus he is a mentor, coach and guide to aspiring to be future chefs and hoteliers of tomorrow.

He can be contacted at twitter: @kaviraj_chef  Mobile: 91 9820939336.