Grilled Red Pears With Honey & Cardamom
Grilled Red Pears with Honey & Cardamom
By Chadwick Boyd
PHOTO BY BROOKE SLEZAK
Ever Grill a Pear? It's Heavenly and Here's How
I am not typically a sweets person, but I do love fruit that has been caramelized on the grill. Pears, particularly red ones, are wonderful when fired up. They soften and get a slight smoky flavor to add to their natural sweetness. This dessert comes together easily and adds a little theater to a night of entertaining guests. The hint of cardamom in the honey is a subtle surprise. It's especially delicious when drizzled over the pear and scoops of rich, creamy Häagen-Dazs.
Chadwick’s Checklist
What you need to know before you cook.
- Pears should be juicy but still firm so they hold up on the grill.
- Preheat grill and have tongs ready—the pears will caramelize quickly!
- Take ice cream out of the freezer as you prep the pears. You'll want it to soften for easy scooping.
SERVING SIZE: 4 PREP TIME: 10 mins TOTAL TIME: 15 mins
Ingredients
2 large red pears, cored and quartered – leave skin on. Pears can be slightly firm when bought
2 Tablespoons olive oil
4 Tablespoons wildflower honey (or other floral scented honey)
1½ teaspoons ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
¼ cup broken Georgia pecans, toasted
1 pint Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Directions
Heat grill or grill pan to medium high.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, cardamom and pepper. Toss the pears in the mixture until they are fully coated.
Put the pecans in aluminum foil and place on the grill to toast while the pears are cooking. Watch closely and shake every few minutes. Let the pecans brown slightly, but not burn.
Place the pears on the grill. Let cook 3-5 minutes until light grill marks appear. Turn on the other side and grill about 3-5 minutes. They should be softened and browned. Remove. Let rest in aluminum foil while you prepare the ice cream bowls.
To serve, arrange two pear quarters in a bowl and place 1-2 scoops of ice cream on top. Drizzle any remaining honey cardamom mixture over the pears. Sprinkle a tablespoon of pecans over the ice cream. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf.
Chadwick’s Changeups
Switch things up. Have some fun! Do more.
- This technique works well for other juicy, rather firm fruit like pineapple, peaches, and plums.
- Experiment with crunch as well. Try subbing pecans for walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds.
- Cardamom adds a herbacious, floral touch to the honey. Ground fennel, Chinese Five Spice, or a pinch of nutmeg will also complexify this simple dish.
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