Pear Anise and Thyme Compote with Pomegranate Arils
Source: Bebe Carminito, author of The Curated Board
Recipe Type: Appetizers and Sides | Seasons: Autumn
This recipe appears in The Curated Board by Bebe Black Carminitio and was demonstrated in the Foodwise Classroom on October 25, 2025.
Makes 1 1/4 cups
I love shopping seasonally for all of my cheese and charcuterie boards and using produce at its peak. Case in point, this lovely exotic compote using autumnal pears, anise, thyme and brown sugar as the key players. As a dressed up option you can also add freshly harvested pomegranate arils to really highlight seasonality. Serving on top of a Rustic Bakery cracker, a smear or dollop of creamy white cheese, a fresh herb and pomegranate aril garnish, this makes a tantalizing bite and snack that will be the star on your cheese board. That being said, you could also serve this compote on top of ice cream, yogurt, waffles, pancakes or tucked inside a grilled cheese. Any remaining pear syrup is also incredibly delicious in a seasonal cocktail or mocktai. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
4 Bartlett pears, washed, cored, peeled, stems removed and diced into 1/4 inch cubes
1/3 cup packed dark or light brown sugar
3 star anise tied up in cheesecloth
Zest of 1 lemon (using a microplane)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
2 sprigs of fresh thyme leaves, chopped
Pinch of fine sea salt
1/4 cup freshly harvested pomegranate arils (optional)
Fresh thyme sprigs and flowers to garnish (optional)
Pomegranate arils to garnish (optional)
PREPARATION
- In a medium saucepan, place all of the ingredients and using a spatula, stir to incorporate. Bring to a boil then return to a low simmer stirring occasionally every 5 minutes until thickened, about 20-25 minutes total.
- Remove the pan from heat and cool completely about another 20-25 minutes. Remove the star anise and cheesecloth and discard.
- Once completely cooled, add the pomegranate arils if using. Spoon the compote into a jar with a tight-fitted lid. The compote will last about 7 days stored in the refrigerator without the arils and 5-7 days with them.
