Poached Pears in Spiced Green Tea Syrup with Probiotic Yoghurt

Ingredients

• 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

1. Brew the green tea (my 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.
2. Bring to a simmer over a low heat.
3. 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.
4. Remove the pears and set aside. Simmer the syrup uncovered for a further 5 to 10 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Serve the warm pears with probiotic yoghurt and a drizzle of the spiced syrup. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios or almonds and cinnamon.

*Green tea and matcha contain caffeine; use decaffeinated green tea if serving in the evening.