Pear Pomegranate Strudel

Pear Pomegranate Strudel Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Germany

Region / culture: Germany | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Pear Pomegranate Strudel is a delicious and festive dessert that combines the sweet and juicy flavors of ripe pears with the tartness of pomegranate seeds, all wrapped up in flaky phyllo dough. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings, as it is sure to impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and delightful taste.

History

The combination of pears and pomegranates in a strudel is a modern twist on the traditional Austrian pastry. Strudel, which means "whirlpool" in German, is a popular dessert in many European countries and is typically made with a thin, flaky dough filled with sweet or savory ingredients. The addition of pomegranate seeds to the classic pear filling adds a burst of color and flavor that elevates this dessert to a whole new level.

Ingredients

6 ripe pears
3 tbsp butter
0.75 cup dark brown sugar
0.5 tsp cinnamon
0.25 tsp nutmeg
0.13 tsp allspice
1 pinch salt
1 cup pomegranate seeds (1 large pomegranate)
8 sheets frozen phyllo dough
1.25 cup melted butter
Garnish
powdered sugar
green colored crystal sugar
red colored crystal sugar
1 package red cake decorating gel

How to prepare

To make the filling, peel, core, and dice the pears.
Place a large, heavy saucepan over high heat until very hot.
Melt the butter and add the pears.
Cook for 2 minutes more and stir again.
Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt over the pears.
Allow the sugar to melt, stirring occasionally.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.
Strain the liquid from the pears.
Cook the liquid over medium-high heat, stirring often, until the volume is reduced to about 0.5 cup (will have a very syrupy consistency).
Return the pears to the saucepan, stir to blend, and stir in the pomegranate seeds.
Cool completely.
The filling can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored in the refrigerator until needed.
To make the pastry, preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Place 1 sheet of phyllo on a dry, flat surface.
Brush with melted butter, top with the next sheet, and repeat with a total of 4 sheets.
Return the remaining sheets to the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic.
Cut the pastry into quarters.
Work with 0.25 at a time, leaving the others under a slightly damp cloth.
Place 0.33 cup of filling in the center of the pastry and form it into a square.
Wrap it like a package, folding in the sides and brushing with melted butter to secure.
Place it seam side down on a heavy aluminum cookie sheet, brush liberally with butter, and cover with plastic wrap.
Continue making packages until you have used all the filling.
The packages can be assembled a day ahead; brush with butter, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool to room temperature.
For garnish, transfer to a work surface.
Dust each package with powdered sugar and decorate with gel to resemble a present.
Sprinkle the serving plate lightly with colored sugars, then top with the decorated package.

Variations

Substitute apples for pears for a classic apple strudel flavor.
Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the filling for added crunch and texture.
Drizzle the finished strudel with a caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to dice the pears evenly to ensure that they cook evenly and create a cohesive filling.

- Straining the liquid from the pears before reducing it helps to concentrate the flavors and create a syrupy consistency.

- Brushing each layer of phyllo dough with melted butter helps to create a crispy and golden crust.

- Decorating the strudel with powdered sugar, colored sugars, and cake decorating gel adds a festive touch to the presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pear Pomegranate Strudel warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. Pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat.

Cooking Techniques

Preparing the filling ahead of time allows the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a more delicious end product.

- Brushing each layer of phyllo dough with melted butter helps to create a crispy and flaky crust that is sure to impress.

Ingredient Substitutions

If pomegranate seeds are not available, you can substitute dried cranberries or raisins for a similar tart flavor.

- Margarine or vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for butter in the filling and for brushing the phyllo dough.

Make Ahead Tips

The filling for Pear Pomegranate Strudel can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored in the refrigerator until needed. The assembled strudel packages can also be made a day ahead, wrapped in plastic wrap, and refrigerated until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate each strudel package with powdered sugar, colored sugars, and cake decorating gel to resemble a festive present. Serve on a plate sprinkled with additional colored sugars for a beautiful and eye-catching presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Pear Pomegranate Strudel with a glass of dessert wine, such as a late-harvest Riesling or a sweet Moscato, for a delightful combination of flavors. Alternatively, enjoy with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Pear Pomegranate Strudel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Enjoy warm with your favorite accompaniments.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pear Pomegranate Strudel contains approximately 320 calories. Calories provide the energy needed for daily activities and are essential for maintaining a healthy weight.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pear Pomegranate Strudel contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's primary source of energy and are essential for fueling daily activities and maintaining overall health.

Fats

Each serving of Pear Pomegranate Strudel contains approximately 18 grams of fat. Fat is an important nutrient that provides energy, helps absorb vitamins, and supports cell growth and function.

Proteins

Each serving of Pear Pomegranate Strudel contains approximately 2 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, as well as supporting immune function and hormone production.

Vitamins and minerals

Pears are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium, while pomegranate seeds are rich in antioxidants and fiber. These nutrients help support overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains butter and phyllo dough, which may contain dairy and wheat allergens. Please check for allergen information on specific product labels and consult with a healthcare provider if you have food allergies.

Summary

Pear Pomegranate Strudel is a delicious dessert that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals. Enjoying this dessert in moderation as part of a balanced diet can be a delightful treat for special occasions.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Pear Pomegranate Strudel. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that had belonged to my great-grandmother, passed down through the generations. The yellowed pages were filled with handwritten notes and splatters of ingredients, a testament to the many delicious meals that had been created from its pages.

As I read through the recipe, my mouth watered at the thought of the sweet, juicy pears combined with the tart pomegranate seeds, all wrapped up in a flaky, buttery pastry. I knew I had to try it for myself.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, carefully measuring out the flour, sugar, and butter for the dough. As I worked the dough with my hands, I thought back to the many hours I had spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning the art of baking from her skilled hands.

My grandmother was a wonderful cook, known throughout our small town for her delicious pies and pastries. She had a knack for creating recipes that were both comforting and flavorful, and she was always willing to share her culinary wisdom with anyone who asked.

I remember one particular afternoon when I was a young girl, watching in awe as my grandmother whipped up a batch of her famous apple turnovers. The kitchen was filled with the warm, inviting smell of cinnamon and sugar, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

As she worked, my grandmother told me stories of how she had learned to cook from her own mother, who had learned from her mother before her. Cooking was a tradition in our family, a way of passing down not just recipes, but memories and love.

That day, as I watched my grandmother expertly fold the dough around the spiced apple filling, I knew that I wanted to carry on that tradition. I wanted to learn all of her secrets, to become as skilled in the kitchen as she was.

And so, over the years, I spent countless hours by her side, absorbing everything she had to teach me. I learned how to knead dough until it was just the right consistency, how to season dishes with just the perfect amount of salt and pepper, and how to turn a handful of simple ingredients into a feast fit for a king.

But it wasn't just the technical skills that I learned from my grandmother. I also learned the importance of patience, of taking the time to let flavors develop and meld together. I learned the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones, of sitting around the table and savoring each bite, each moment.

And now, as I prepare to make this Pear Pomegranate Strudel, I can't help but feel grateful for all that my grandmother has taught me. I know that with each bite, I will be tasting not just the sweet fruit and flaky pastry, but a lifetime of love and tradition.

As the strudel bakes in the oven, filling the kitchen with its tantalizing aroma, I can almost hear my grandmother's laughter echoing in the room. I know that she is smiling down on me, proud of the cook I have become, and grateful for the memories we have shared in the kitchen.

And as I take that first delicious bite of Pear Pomegranate Strudel, I know that I am not just tasting a dessert. I am tasting a legacy, a connection to the past and a promise for the future. And I am grateful for every moment that has led me to this place, this recipe, this perfect bite of sweetness.