Snow pear with rock sugar

The Chinese name of this recipe is Bingtang Xueli 冰糖雪梨, and the beauty of Bingtang Xueli lies in its simplicity. The recipe requires minimal ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating this delightful dish.

Ingredients

• Snow Pears (Xue Li): 1 or 2 large, known for their juicy and crisp texture.
• Rock Sugar (Bingtang): 100g, a less refined form of sugar that imparts a mild sweetness. (can use brown sugar)
• Water: About 2-4 cups, for poaching the pears.
• Optional: A few goji berries and dates(jujube) for an additional flavor twist.

Cooking steps

1. Preparation: Begin by peeling the snow pears. Carefully remove the core and seeds, ensuring the pear retains its shape. Some prefer to keep the pear whole, while others slice it into half.
2. Poaching the Pears: In a pot, add enough water to submerge the pears. Bring the water to a simmer and add the rock sugar. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Cooking the Pears: Place the pears into the simmering sugar water. Add a slice of ginger, dates(jujube) or a handful of goji berries if desired. Let the pears poach on a low heat for about 30 minutes, depending on the size and ripeness of the pears. The key is to cook them until they are tender but still retain their shape.
4. Serving: Once cooked, allow the pears to cool slightly in the syrup. Serve warm or chilled. The pears should be tender, infused with the sweetness of the syrup, and have a translucent appearance.

Nutritional Benefits

Bingtang Xueli is often celebrated for its soothing qualities, particularly in the context of traditional Chinese medicine. Snow pears are known for their cooling effect on the body and are believed to nourish the lungs, alleviate dryness, and provide a healing touch for a cough and sore throat. The inclusion of goji berries adds a boost of antioxidants, while dates are thought to enhance the body’s energy flow, or qi. Rock sugar, less processed than refined sugars, is chosen for its mild sweetness that complements the pears without overpowering their subtle flavor. Together, these ingredients simmer into a warm, comforting dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also offers a traditional remedy for coughs, colds, and throat irritation, making Bingtang Xueli a cherished recipe for both its taste and therapeutic benefits.