Caramelized Pear and Rocket Salad!

Prep time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 as main or 6 as starter or side

No matter what type of event you're hosting, wether it be lunch or dinner, regardless of style or theme, a nice salad will always be a win as well as a basic component to a good meal.

​Now that we are approaching the end of September, and summer is practically over by now, I knew I had to share one of my favourite summer-autumn transition salads that I just know I'll be making all throughout the season. So, without further ado:

Ingredients:

• ​3 firm large pears 
• 2 tbsp of butter (for caramelising) 
• ​3 tbsp of brown sugar 
• 2 (5 ounce) packages of rocket (you may also know it as Arugula)
• 1 cup of Pomegranate seeds
• ​300 grams of chopped cashews (or walnuts)
• 200 grams of raisins 

​For the vinegar:

• 1/2 cup Olive Oil
• 3 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• ​2 chopped garlic cloves
• Salt, pepper and rosemary to taste. 

No matter the quantity you're making, the key to the perfect consistency is 1 part vinegar and one part oil. 

Method:

• Cut your pears into thin wedges, just as seen below. 
• Place the butter onto a pan over medium heat 
• Once fully melted, place your pears on the pan and watch as they sizzle. 
• After about 3 minutes, flip them over and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly. 
• You'll see how it starts absorbing. Flip them again and leave until brown and gold. 
• ​Set aside to cool.
  

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• Whilst your pears cool, mix all of the ingredients for your vinegar with a whilst on a small bowl or measuring cup, this makes it easier for pouring. 
• Next, onto a large salad bowl, mix in your rocket, pomegranate and raisins and finish off by adding the vinegar. 

Once you're ready to serve, add the pears on top of your salad and display nicely. 
I advise you don't add the nuts until the very end in order to ensure they stay nice and crunchy, rather than become soggy from the vinegar!

When serving on a single plate, I love creating this flower style serving with the pears! It makes for an extra sensory and visual treat for your guest!

I hope you enjoyed this super simple yet fabulous recipe that will dazzle your guest at any time for sure! If you do decide you make it, be sure to tag me on social media ! (@tatianabellator #bellatorrecipes) I'd love to see what you come up with !