Honey-Rose Water Poached Pears with Pistachios

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-22 · Updated 2026-06-22

Delicate pears poached in a fragrant honey and rose water syrup, garnished with crunchy pistachios for a light and elegant dessert. This Middle Eastern-inspired recipe (gluten free), ready in about 45 minutes, layers ripe but firm pears, peeled and halved, water, honey into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe but firm pears, peeled and halved
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tbsp rose water
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 4 green cardamom pods, crushed
• 1/3 cup pistachios, chopped
• for garnish fresh mint leaves

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine 4 cups water, 1/2 cup honey, 1 tbsp rose water, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 4 crushed green cardamom pods; bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until honey dissolves.
2. Step 2: Carefully add 4 peeled and halved pears to the simmering syrup, ensuring they are submerged; poach gently for 20-25 minutes until pears are tender when pierced with a knife.
3. Step 3: Remove pears with a slotted spoon and set aside to cool slightly.
4. Step 4: Increase heat and boil the poaching liquid until it reduces by half and thickens to a syrupy consistency, about 10 minutes.
5. Step 5: Arrange pears on serving plates, drizzle with the reduced honey-rose syrup, and sprinkle 1/3 cup chopped pistachios evenly over the pears.
6. Step 6: Garnish each plate with fresh mint leaves and serve warm or chilled.