Imagine a dessert that transports you back to the lavish banquet halls of ancient Rome, where every bite tells a story of culinary sophistication and sensory delight! This Roman Pear Pudding, or Patina de Piris, is not just a dessert—it's a time machine on a plate. Combining the delicate sweetness of ripe pears with a luxurious custard base, this recipe promises to transform your ordinary dessert experience into an extraordinary gastronomic journey that will leave your guests absolutely spellbound.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a 9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Carefully peel the ripe pears, removing any bruised or damaged areas. Slice the pears thinly and evenly, approximately 1/4 inch thick, to ensure uniform cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined, creating a rich custard base.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly across the bottom of the buttered baking dish, creating a thin, even layer that will help absorb moisture and provide texture.
- Arrange the sliced pears in an overlapping, decorative pattern across the breadcrumb layer, ensuring complete coverage of the dish's bottom.
- Slowly pour the prepared custard mixture over the pears, making sure to distribute it evenly and allow it to seep between the pear slices.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown with slight caramelization.
- Remove from the oven and let the pudding cool for 10-15 minutes, allowing the custard to firm up and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally garnishing with a light dusting of additional cinnamon or a small dollop of whipped cream.
Tips
- • Choose ripe, firm pears for the best texture and flavor—they should yield slightly when gently pressed but not be mushy. • For a more authentic experience, use a ceramic or earthenware baking dish that mimics ancient Roman cooking vessels. • Ensure your custard is smooth by whisking the eggs and sugar thoroughly before adding other ingredients. • Don't rush the cooling process—letting the pudding rest allows the flavors to meld and the custard to set perfectly. • For a more indulgent version, consider adding a splash of sweet dessert wine to the custard mixture. • If you want a slightly crispy top, broil the pudding for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
