Poached Pears in Spiced Green Tea Syrup with Probiotic Yoghurt
Ingredients (serves 2-3)
2 ripe but firm pears, peeled, stalks intact
500ml freshly brewed green tea
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cinnamon stick
2 star anise
3 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
1 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup (optional)
200g plain probiotic yoghurt (dairy or non-dairy)
1 tbsp chopped pistachios or almonds, to serve
Method
Brew the green tea (our preference is matcha but a good quality green tea bag will be fine) and pour into a medium saucepan.
Add the lemon zest, cinnamon, star anise, cardamom and honey or maple syrup if you prefer.
Bring to a simmer over a low heat.
Add the pears, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Cover with a lid and poach gently for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once, until the pears are tender but still hold their shape.
Remove the pears and set aside. Simmer the syrup uncovered for a further 5 to 10 minutes to reduce slightly.
Serve the warm pears with probiotic yoghurt and a drizzle of the spiced syrup. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios or almonds and cinnamon.
Gut Health Benefits
Green tea provides polyphenols that help to feed gut-friendly bacteria.
Spices such as cinnamon and cardamom offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The live cultures in Probiotic Yoghurt help support a diverse and balanced microbiome.
The combination of warm and cool elements also aids digestion.
Nutritional Breakdown
(approx per serving)
Calories: 260 kcal
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fibre: 5g
Fats: 10g
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 100mg
Gut-Health Bacteria Supported
Lactobacillus: From live yoghurt, an aid for healthy digestion.
Bifidobacterium: Encouraged by polyphenols in green tea for an immune boost.
Akkermansia muciniphila: Supported by green tea and spices.
Roseburia: Nourished by polyphenols and prebiotic effects from spices.