Traditional Dutch Stoofpeertjes Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 kg Stoofperen (Gieser Wildeman)
  • 1 liter Red Wine
  • 200 grams Sugar
  • 2 Cinnamon Sticks
  • 5 Cloves
  • 1 Vanilla pod
  • 1 Lemon (for zest)
  • 200 ml Water

Steps and instructions

  1. Peel the pears but leave the stems on. Slice the bottom off each pear so they can stand upright.
  2. Place the peeled pears in a large pot.
  3. Add the red wine, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and the seeds from the vanilla pod to the pot.
  4. Grate the lemon for its zest and add to the pot.
  5. Pour in the water. The pears should be almost completely covered by the liquid.
  6. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the pears are soft and have turned red.
  7. Once the pears are cooked, remove them from the pot and set them aside.
  8. Turn up the heat and reduce the liquid in the pot to a syrup consistency.
  9. Arrange the pears on a serving dish and pour the syrup over them.
  10. Serve the stoofpeertjes warm or allow them to cool and serve them chilled.

Tools for making

  • Large Pot - To cook the stoofpeertjes and simmer them in the liquid.
  • Peeler - To peel the pears before cooking them.
  • Grater - To grate the lemon zest.
  • Serving Dish - To arrange and present the stoofpeertjes for serving.

Recipe variations

  • Replace red wine with white wine for a lighter flavor.
  • Add a splash of brandy or rum for a boozy twist.
  • Use brown sugar or honey instead of white sugar for a different level of sweetness.
  • Add a star anise or cardamom pods for additional aromatic flavors.
  • Replace water with orange juice for a citrusy touch.
  • Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or allspice.
  • Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for extra texture and sweetness.
  • Serve the stoofpeertjes with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
  • Garnish with chopped pistachios or slivered almonds for a crunchy element.
  • For a spiced twist, add a pinch of ginger or a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the traditional Dutch delicacy of Stoofpeertjes, or stewed pears, a delightful dessert that is brimming with the flavors of red wine, cinnamon, and vanilla. The process is simple but time-consuming, requiring slow cooking of the pears over a few hours to achieve that flavorful, soft, and richly colored result. This recipe will guide you to perfectly stewed pears, creating a dessert that's not just incredibly tasty, but also visually stunning. Ideal for serving on special occasions or as an everyday sweet treat, Stoofpeertjes can be enjoyed warm straight from the pot or chilled from the fridge. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and the elegant simplicity of this classic Dutch dessert.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to cook stoofpeertjes? The stoofpeertjes need to simmer on low heat for about 2 to 3 hours until they are soft and have turned red.
  2. Can I use a different type of pear? It is recommended to use Gieser Wildeman pears for this recipe as they hold their shape well during cooking and have a sweet flavor. However, you can try using other varieties of cooking pears if Gieser Wildeman pears are not available.
  3. Can I use a different type of wine? Red wine is traditionally used in this recipe to give the stoofpeertjes a rich color and flavor. However, you can experiment with different types of red wine to suit your taste.
  4. Can I make stoofpeertjes in advance? Yes, stoofpeertjes can be made in advance. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be served warm or chilled.
  5. What can I serve stoofpeertjes with? Stoofpeertjes are often served as a side dish with roast meats, game, or stews. They also pair well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a dessert option.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pot - A large pot is needed to simmer the pears and the liquid.
  • Grater - A grater is required to grate the lemon for its zest.
  • Serving Dish - A serving dish is needed to arrange and present the stoofpeertjes.
  • Spoon or Ladle - A spoon or ladle is necessary for scooping and pouring the syrup over the pears.
  • Knife - A knife is needed to peel the pears and slice the bottom off each pear.

Origin stories

In the charming Netherlands, where beautiful tulip fields spread as far as the eye can see, there is a cherished recipe that has warmed the hearts and homes of its people for centuries - stoofpeertjes. These dutifully stewed pears, laced with a symphony of spices, are a quintessential Dutch delight, gracing tables especially during the cold winter months. Their story traces back to a time when fresh fruit was scarce in winter, and so, in a stroke of genius and necessity, the Dutch began to stew their autumn-harvested pears in an enchanted bath of wine and spices, giving birth to stoofpeertjes. This traditional dish, with its rich burgundy hue, does more than merely sweeten the palate - it paints a vivid picture of Dutch heritage, resilience, and innovation in every bite. It's not just a dish; it's a tale of a culture, simmered down to its very essence, and lovingly passed down generations.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.