Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsParis BistroPoire Belle – Hélène Recipe

Poire Belle – Hélène Recipe

Inspired by Paris Bistro
Time1h 30m
Serves4

With poached vanilla pear gelato with a chocolate ganache

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Ingredients

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Poached Pears

Vanilla Gelato

Chocolate Ganache

Method

Poached Pears

  1. 1

    Prepare the Poaching Liquid

    In a large saucepan, combine the water, sugar, vanilla bean (including the seeds), and lemon juice. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.

  2. 2

    Poach the Pears

    Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. Place them in the poaching liquid, making sure they are submerged. Cover the saucepan and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender but still hold their shape.

  3. 3

    Cool the Pears

    Once poached, remove the pears from the liquid and let them cool. Strain the poaching liquid and reserve for serving, if desired.

Vanilla Gelato

  1. 4

    Prepare the Custard Base

    In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat over medium until the mixture is hot but not boiling.

  2. 5

    Whisk the Egg Yolks

    In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking continuously to temper them.

  3. 6

    Cook the Custard

    Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

  4. 7

    Chill and Churn

    Let the custard cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Once chilled, churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

  5. 8

    Freeze the Gelato

    Transfer the gelato to a lidded container and freeze for at least 2 hours until firm.

Chocolate Ganache

  1. 9

    Heat the Cream

    In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.

  2. 10

    Make the Ganache

    Remove the saucepan from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

  3. 11

    Cool the Ganache

    Allow the ganache to cool slightly before using it to drizzle over the poached pears and gelato.

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