Pears are in season – so let’s cook with them!

Pears are looking absolutely beautiful at the moment – plump, fragrant and perfectly sweet as they reach their peak season. Many of us grew up eating pears simply poached or chopped into a fruit salad, but they’re one of the most versatile fruits you can cook with. They hold their shape, develop a lovely perfume when warmed, and pair wonderfully with everything from salty cheese to roasted meats.

To celebrate the season, here are three simple pear recipes that work as a starter, main and dessert. Each one is gentle on the budget, big on flavour, and ideal for home cooks who appreciate produce at its best.

Starter: Pear, Rocket & Parmesan Salad With Honey-Lemon Dressing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients
2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
3 cups rocket (or baby spinach if preferred)
½ cup shaved Parmesan
¼ cup walnuts, lightly toasted
Juice of ½ lemon
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey
Salt and pepper

Method
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt and pepper.
Place rocket in a serving bowl. Add pear slices and walnuts.
Drizzle over the dressing and gently toss.
Finish with shaved Parmesan on top.
Serve immediately — fresh, crisp and wonderfully simple.

Main: Roast Chicken Thighs With Pear, Sage & White Wine

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes

Ingredients
6 chicken thighs (bone-in preferred)
2 pears, cut into wedges
1 brown onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
8–10 sage leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
½ cup white wine or chicken stock
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper

Method
Preheat oven to 190°C.
Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof pan. Season the chicken and brown on both sides for colour.
Remove chicken briefly and add onion and garlic to the pan. Sauté for 2–3 minutes.
Add pear wedges and sage. Nestle chicken thighs back into the pan.
Pour white wine (or stock) around the chicken.
Roast in the oven for 30–35 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
Serve with steamed greens or mashed potato – the sweet pears pair beautifully with the savoury juices.

Dessert: Vanilla-Poached Pears With Warm Chocolate Sauce

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the pears:

4 firm pears, peeled but stems left on
3 cups water
1 cup apple juice or white wine
½ cup sugar
1 vanilla bean (or 2 tsp vanilla extract)
Strip of lemon peel

For the chocolate sauce:

100g dark chocolate
½ cup cream
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar

Method

In a medium saucepan, combine water, apple juice, sugar, vanilla and lemon peel. Bring to a gentle boil.
Add the pears, reduce heat, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until tender.
Meanwhile, melt chocolate, cream and honey over low heat until smooth.
Stand pears upright in shallow bowls, spoon a little poaching liquid over the top, and drizzle generously with warm chocolate sauce.
Serve with vanilla ice cream or yoghurt.