Seared Foie Gras with Caramelized Pear Compote
About This Course
Indulge in the luxurious contrast of rich, buttery foie gras seared to a golden crust and paired with a sweet-tart caramelized pear compote. In this recipe, tender slices of duck liver are seasoned lightly, kissed in a hot pan until crisp on the outside yet meltingly soft within. The accompanying pear compote, cooked down with brown sugar, a splash of white wine, and aromatic spices, provides a velvety sweetness that cuts through the foie gras’s richness. Together, these elements create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures—crisp, creamy, sweet, and savory—ideal for an elegant appetizer or sophisticated plating at a dinner party.
Learning Objectives
Material Includes
- Ingredient List:
- Fresh foie gras (duck or goose), sourced from a reputable purveyor
- Ripe, firm pears (such as Bosc or Anjou)
- Granulated and brown sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
- Fresh lemon juice
- Ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground cloves or star anise
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- Fresh thyme or microgreens for garnish
- Equipment Checklist:
- Nonstick or stainless-steel skillet (medium-high heat capable)
- Small saucepan for compote
- Sharp chef’s knife and paring knife
- Cutting board
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, for smoothing compote)
- Serving plates or small appetizer dishes
Requirements
- 200 g (≈7 oz) foie gras (duck or goose), cut into 8 equal medallions (about 25 g each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for searing)
- For Pear Compote:
- 2 ripe but firm pears, peeled, cored, and diced
- 30 g (≈2 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 30 g (≈2 tbsp) brown sugar
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Target Audience
- Home chefs seeking to elevate a special-occasion menu with a luxurious appetizer.
- Culinary students or enthusiasts interested in classic French-inspired techniques.
- Fine-dining aficionados and food bloggers looking to showcase a visually stunning dish.
- Entertainers aiming to impress guests with an upscale starter.
- Professional chefs seeking a refined yet approachable foie gras presentation.