Are you looking for a delightful, healthy dessert or a sophisticated addition to your breakfast table? Look no further! This peaches in light syrup recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet delivers maximum flavor. It's the perfect way to showcase the sweetness of ripe, juicy peaches while keeping things light and refreshing. This recipe is perfect for beginners in homemade cooking and offers a quick dinner idea for those busy weeknights. It's also a fantastic way to preserve the summer's bounty of peaches for later enjoyment. Let's dive into this easy recipe for a delicious and healthy meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 kg ripe but firm peaches, peeled and halved (or sliced if preferred)
- 200g granulated sugar
- 200ml water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for added warmth)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Peaches
Carefully wash the peaches and peel them using a vegetable peeler or by blanching them briefly in boiling water. Halve the peaches and remove the pits. If you prefer, you can slice the peaches instead of halving them.
Step 2: Make the Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon stick (if using), and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. The syrup should be clear and slightly viscous.
Step 3: Poach the Peaches
Gently add the peach halves to the simmering syrup. Reduce the heat to low, ensuring the syrup gently bubbles. Cover the saucepan and let the peaches poach for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender but still hold their shape. Avoid overcooking, as this can result in mushy peaches.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Carefully remove the peaches from the syrup and allow them to cool completely. You can serve them immediately, chilled, or store them in the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The peaches will absorb the delicious syrup, becoming even more flavorful over time.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Serve these delectable peaches as a delightful dessert, a sophisticated addition to your breakfast yogurt or ice cream, or as a topping for cakes and pastries. The light syrup complements the natural sweetness of the peaches beautifully.
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a star anise or a few cardamom pods to the syrup while it simmers.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet syrup, reduce the amount of sugar to 150g.
- Other fruits: This recipe works wonderfully with other soft fruits like nectarines, apricots, or plums.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the syrup for a warming spice note.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare the peaches in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a quick and easy dessert or breakfast option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of the peaches and the amount of syrup consumed. However, a reasonable estimate per serving (assuming approximately 2 medium peaches and a portion of the syrup) would be:
- Calories: Around 150-200
- Sugar: Around 20-30g
- Fiber: Around 3-5g
This recipe provides a healthy dose of vitamins and antioxidants from the peaches, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
This simple peaches in light syrup recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious doesn't have to be difficult. It’s a perfect example of how easy recipes can be both healthy and satisfying, making it a great addition to your collection of best recipes. Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade cooking!