Sweet Pickled Pears
By OcadoLife
Published on 28 September 2023
Easy to make and supremely versatile, these Sweet Pickled Pears are worth keeping on hand. They work in both sweet and savoury dishes, so try them in desserts – such as chef and food writer Olia Hercules’ Ukrainian-style Baked Ricotta Cheesecake with Pickled Pears – or alongside cold cuts and bitter salad leaves for a quick meal. Looking for more side dishes? Look no further.Time and servings
15 minsTotal time
5 minsPrep time
10 minsCooking time
Ingredients
- 600ml white wine vinegar
- 200g golden caster sugar
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 lemon, 3 strips pared from the zest
- 5cm piece ginger, unpeeled and sliced
- 5 black peppercorns
- 2 thyme sprigs
- 3 firm pears (approx.), halved lengthways
Method
Step 1
Put the vinegar, sugar and 200ml water in a pan. Add the salt, strips of lemon zest, ginger, peppercorns and thyme. Bring to a boil, cook for 5 mins, then remove from the heat; leave to infuse and cool.Step 2
Pack the pear halves into a 1.5 L sterilised jar (see tip); pour over the brine. Pop the lemon on top to keep the pears submerged. Leave in a cool place for a week. Will keep chilled for up to 3 months.Step 3
To sterilise jars and lids, wash them thoroughly, then place on a tray in the oven at 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4 for 15 mins. Allow to cool. Allow 1 week for pickling.