Pears Belle Helene
- Gluten Free
- Vegetarian
- Energy Kcal 1276
- Carbohydrates g 229
- of which sugars g 229
- Protein g 8
- Fats g 36.4
- of which saturated fat g 18.7
- Fiber g 11
- Cholesterol mg 6.7
- Sodium mg 34
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep time: 10 min
- Cook time: 25 min
- Makes: 2 pieces
- Cost: Very low
PRESENTATION
Pears Belle Helene is a French dessert with such a rich history, dating back to the late 1800s. Created by the famous chef Auguste Escoffier, it was inspired by the operetta “La Belle Hélène” by Jacques Offenbach. That gives it this lovely touch of romance. Seriously. At its heart, this dish features tender poached pears elegantly dressed in a silky chocolate sauce. This combo has really, really stood the test of time. And look, often it’s paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Chantilly cream—making it feel all fancy and special.
Honestly, it’s pretty simple to prepare. One of the best things about Pears Belle Helene is its versatility. Across French cuisine, you’ll find all sorts of tasty twists on the original. Some versions have pears poached in wine first, lavishly covered in warm, melty chocolate—enhancing the flavor depth. Others mix it up with different pear types or sauces that have a nutty or sweet character. No question, whatever version you try, the combo of soft poached fruit with rich chocolate and that hint of cold ice cream is just perfect.
This isn't just a classic French recipe; it’s the ideal easy pear dessert for any occasion, whether you want to impress or just crave something sweet. Pretty much. Often hailed as the ultimate chocolate pear dessert, it’s the kind of treat that makes you want to slow down and savor every bite. The flavors are gentle yet rich, reminding you why this dessert has been so cherished for generations. Pears Belle Helene keeps bringing joy whenever it’s served. Thing is, some traditions are just timeless.
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INGREDIENTS
- Bosc pears 2 - hard-boiled
- Sugar 1 ½ cup (300 g)
- Dark chocolate 5.6 oz (160 g)
- Water 4 ¼ cups (1 l)
- Cinnamon sticks 2
- for garnish and accompaniment
- Cream gelato to taste
- Almond slices to taste
How to prepare Pears Belle Helene
To prepare Pears Belle Helene, first pour the water into a saucepan 1, add the sugar 2 and the cinnamon sticks 3. Move to the stove and bring to a boil.
In the meantime, peel the pears 4 and when the syrup starts boiling, immerse them inside (5-6).
Let them cook for 25 minutes over medium heat 7. They should be soft but still firm. At this point, let them cool in their cooking liquid. In the meantime, chop the dark chocolate 9.
and melt it in a bain-marie or in the microwave 10. As soon as the pears are lukewarm, you can plate them: transfer them onto a serving dish and pour the melted chocolate over them (11-12).
Place a scoop of ice cream next to it 13 and cover the pear with sliced almonds 14. Serve your Pears Belle Helene immediately 15!