Steamed Pear (Natural Cold Remedy)
A Soothing Steamed Pear Recipe for Cold & Flu Season
When the weather turns chilly and colds start circulating, my parents would often make me ‘Baesook’ (steamed pear). This comforting dish involves steaming a whole pear with ginger, jujubes, and honey. Historically, it’s been known for its soothing properties, earning it the nickname ‘natural cold medicine.’ This recipe is a simple and effective way to care for your loved ones.
Ingredients
- 1 Pear
- 1 piece of Ginger (thumb-sized)
- 2 Jujubes (Red Dates)
- 3 Tbsp Honey
- 1/3 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1 slice of Lemon (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the pear thoroughly. Slice off the top quarter of the pear to create a lid. Then, using a spoon, carefully hollow out the inside of the pear to make space for the honey and other ingredients. Set the scooped-out pear flesh aside.
Step 2
Finely chop the scooped-out pear flesh. Chopping it into small pieces will ensure it cooks well inside the pear and mixes nicely with the other ingredients.
Step 3
Peel the ginger, rinse it well, and then slice it into very thin slivers. If you find the ginger’s spiciness too strong, you can reduce the amount or omit it.
Step 4
Rinse the jujubes under running water. Slice them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Roll up the seeded jujubes and slice them thinly for a beautiful presentation and pleasant texture when cooked.
Step 5
Now, fill the hollowed-out space of the pear with the finely chopped pear flesh you prepared earlier. This will add extra pear flavor to the dish.
Step 6
Arrange the thinly sliced ginger and the thinly sliced, rolled jujubes attractively on top of the chopped pear flesh.
Step 7
Drizzle 3 tablespoons of honey generously over the ingredients. Finally, sprinkle 1/3 teaspoon of ground cinnamon over everything to enhance the aroma and flavor. Adjust the cinnamon to your liking.
Step 8
Place the prepared slice of lemon on top of the pear. Lemon adds a touch of freshness and helps to eliminate any potential gamey odors. (Optional) Place the pear lid back on top of the filled pear.
Step 9
Place the prepared pear into a steamer basket over simmering water. Reduce the heat to low, cover the steamer, and cook for 40-45 minutes until the pear becomes translucent and tender. Enjoy it warm for the best soothing effect.
