Poached Pears

Porridge is a great way to support and heal gut health –oats are high in soluble fibre, which is great for colon health! We recommend Gluten-free oats (Bob's Red Mill from Terra Madre is a good option) or Steel cut oats as they are completely (or near-completely) unprocessed. The more natural is always better – avoid gluten and dairy where you can, especially when healing your gut.

Ingredients:

2 pears peeled and quartered
1 cup apple juice 100% juice
1 ½ cups water
5 cardamom pods
3 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 star anise
1 vanilla bean split and scraped

Instructions:

1. Place a large pot over medium heat. Add the water, juice, and spice and bring to a boil.

2. Reduce the liquid to simmer and add the sliced pears.

3. Continue to simmer gently until pears are tender when tested with a fork.

4. Remove pears with tongs and remove as many of the bits from the liquid as you can.

5. Put the liquid back on to simmer for 5 more minutes or until it slightly thickens.

Serve a little of the liquid with the pear.

So what's so great about pears?

Pears contain fibre which assists and sustains a healthy blood sugar level and promotes regularity.

Pears are high in antioxidants, vitamin C (helping you absorb iron), copper and folic acid. These are delicious for dessert served warm with natural or Greek yoghurt and a sprinkling of hazelnuts. They also work well cold for breakfast on top of porridge or muesli.