easy

recipe: five minute spiced crumble

When people ask me how I make up recipes "on the spot", I have to admit that most of my inspiration stems from not wanting to waste food. In fact, over the past 5 years, the only ingredient I can recall throwing out was a single head of lettuce, before heading off on vacation. Great things can happen when you're trying to be a thrifty and sustainable cook. Just this week, I came home to find a browning pear and a couple of increasingly shriveled figs. But a few minutes on the stove and some Indian-inspired spices turned these sorry looking fruits into one of the most delicious desserts I've ever invented.

Five Minute Spiced Pear and Fig Crumble

Ingredients
  • 1 juicy pear
  • 2-3 figs
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 sprig of fresh rosemary (or 1/2 tsp dried rosemary)
  • a pinch of sea salt (to taste)
  • 2 tbsp of your favorite granola
  • 1 tbsp pumpkin or flax seeds (optional)
  • greek yogurt (optional)
Instructions
  1. Just cover the bottom of a small pot with water; bring to a simmer.
  2. While water is heating, wash and chop pear into small chunks.
  3. Add pear to simmering water.
  4. Wash and chop figs; add to pears.
  5. Add curry, rosemary and salt.
  6. Stir occasionally until fruit is warm and softened (but not mushy).
  7. Remove from heat and scoop fruit into a bowl.
  8. Top with granola, seeds and a dollop of greek yogurt.

**For elegant plating, simply add a small sprig of fresh rosemary.