Traditional Dutch Stoofperen (Stewed Pears) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 kg Stoofperen (stewing pears)
  • 1 liter Red Wine
  • 500 gram Sugar
  • 2 Cinnamon Sticks
  • 4 Cloves
  • 1 Lemon, juice and zest
  • 1 Vanilla Pod

Steps and instructions

  1. Peel the stoofperen and leave them whole. If the pears are large, you can also cut them in half.
  2. Place the pears in a large pot.
  3. Add the red wine to the pot. The pears should be almost completely covered with wine.
  4. Add the sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla pod to the pot.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the pears simmer for about 2 hours. They should be soft and have absorbed the red wine.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat. Let the pears cool in the liquid for maximum flavor.
  8. Before serving, remove the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and vanilla pod. You can serve the pears warm or cooled, as desired.

Tools for making

  • Large Pot - A pot big enough to hold the stoofperen and the liquid.
  • Peeler - To peel the stoofperen before cooking.
  • Wooden Spoon - For stirring the ingredients in the pot.
  • Knife - To cut the lemon and prepare the pears if needed.
  • Measuring Cup - To measure the red wine and sugar.
  • Cheesecloth - Optional. To wrap the cloves and cinnamon sticks for easy removal.

Recipe variations

  • Instead of red wine, you can use white wine or a combination of red and white wine for a different flavor profile.
  • For a spicier twist, add a pinch of ground nutmeg or a dash of ground ginger to the stewing liquid.
  • If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the amount of sugar or use honey as a substitute.
  • To add a depth of flavor, you can include a star anise or cardamom pods to the stewing liquid.
  • For a citrusy twist, you can substitute the lemon with orange juice and zest.
  • If you want a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of butter or a splash of brandy to the stewing liquid.
  • For a festive touch, you can garnish the stoofperen with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Recipe overview

Stoofperen, or stewed pears, is a classic Dutch dessert that is both comforting and delicious. This recipe involves slowly simmering pears in red wine along with sugar and aromatic spices like cinnamon and clove. The result is soft, wine-infused pears that are rich in flavors. The process of making Stoofperen is simple and requires minimal hands-on time. While the pears are simmering, they absorb the flavors of the wine and spices creating a delectable dessert that is sure to impress. Serve them warm for a cozy winter treat, or cool for a refreshing summer dessert. This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the simple, natural sweetness of pears in a new and exciting way.

Common questions

  1. How do I choose the right pears for stoofperen? Choose firm pears that are suitable for cooking, such as Gieser Wildeman or Conference pears.
  2. Can I use white wine instead of red wine? While red wine is traditionally used for stoofperen, you can use white wine if you prefer a lighter flavor.
  3. Can I substitute the sugar with a sugar substitute? Yes, you can substitute the sugar with a sugar substitute of your choice. Keep in mind that the taste and texture may vary slightly.
  4. How long can I store stoofperen? Stoofperen can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  5. Can I freeze stoofperen? Yes, stoofperen can be frozen. Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pot - A large pot is needed to cook the stoofperen and allow them to simmer in the liquid.
  • Slotted Spoon - A slotted spoon is useful for removing the pears from the pot without transferring too much liquid.
  • Knife - A knife is necessary for peeling and optionally cutting the stoofperen.
  • Citrus Zester - A citrus zester can be used to easily remove the zest from the lemon.
  • Measuring Cup - A measuring cup is handy for accurately measuring the red wine and sugar.
  • Serving Bowl or Plate - A serving bowl or plate is needed to present the stoofperen when serving.

Origin stories

Stoofperen, or stewed pears, are a classic Dutch dessert that have been enjoyed in the Netherlands for centuries. They are typically made in the colder months, making for a comforting and warming dish. The pears used are a special variety called 'Gieser Wildeman', which are small, stubby pears that hold their shape well when cooked. Notably, these pears are not eaten raw as they are quite firm and sour. Instead, they are stewed with wine, sugar, and spices, resulting in a delicious dessert that has a deep red colour and a rich, sweet, and spiced flavor. The use of red wine in the recipe gives the pears their distinctive color and adds depth to the flavor, a technique that showcases the Dutch's historical expertise in trading spices and wine.

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.