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Quick Pickled Pears

Quick Pickled Pears
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Quick Pickled Pears are a fast and flavorful treat that turns firm, slightly underripe pears into a tangy and sweet addition perfect for salads, snacks, cheese boards, and gourmet dishes. With simple pantry ingredients and a speedy preparation under 30 minutes, this versatile condiment adds brightness and acidity to elevate any plate, while also being customizable with a variety of spices and herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Pears

  • Firm, slightly underripe pears (Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou recommended) – quantity as desired (about 3 medium pears)

Pickling Brine

  • 1 cup vinegar (apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar)
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (or honey/maple syrup as sweetener alternative)
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Spices and Herbs

  • 1–2 cinnamon sticks (optional)
  • 4–6 whole cloves (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon peppercorns (optional)
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (or basil/mint for variation)
  • Sliced fresh chili or red pepper flakes (optional for spicy kick)
  • Thin slices of fresh ginger (optional for zest)
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pears: Wash pears thoroughly, core them, and thinly slice into even pieces to allow for quick and uniform absorption of the pickling liquid.
  2. Make the Pickling Brine: In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat gently, stirring until sugar and salt dissolve completely, forming a balanced pickling liquid.
  3. Add Spices and Herbs: Remove the saucepan from heat and add your chosen spices and fresh herbs to the warm brine. Let the flavors infuse for a few minutes off the heat.
  4. Pour Over Pears: Place the sliced pears into a clean jar or bowl and pour the hot pickling liquid over them, ensuring all slices are fully submerged.
  5. Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the pickled pears to cool to room temperature before sealing the container and refrigerating. They can be enjoyed after 30 minutes, with flavor improving after a few hours or overnight.

Notes

  • Pick firm pears to maintain texture during pickling.
  • Adjust sugar and vinegar ratios to balance sweet and tangy to your taste.
  • Use fresh herbs and quality vinegar for the best flavor.
  • Slice pears evenly to ensure consistent flavor absorption.
  • Let the pears sit overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor development.
  • Store pickled pears refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
  • Freezing is not recommended as it breaks down texture.
  • Serve pickled pears cold or at room temperature; gently warm only if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick pickled pears, pickled pears recipe, tangy pears, salad topping, appetizer, easy pickled fruit, speedy pickles

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/quick-pickled-pears/