Easy Roasted Plums with Star Anise
I don’t know about you but I just can’t say no to puddings. No matter how big a meal I’ve had there’s always room for something sweet! When I was younger I was genuinely convinced you had an extra stomach just for dessert. What else could explain my ability to eat mountains of ice-cream after a huge, filling dinner.
My inability to feel as though a meal is finished without having had dessert is a bit of a problem when it comes to trying to lose weight. As I type this, I can hear the Ben & Jerry’s in my freezer calling out my name.
In order to satisfy my sweet tooth in an evening when I’m trying to be healthy, I look to natures sweet treats – FRUIT!
Plums were on offer in our local green grocers at the weekend so we bought a huge punnet of these beautiful purple fruits. Not content with simply eating them raw, I decided to roasted them with a little brown sugar and star anise for an extra kick. This is an incredibly simple dessert but tastes delicious. It certainly hit the spot for me.
Ingredients
- 700g (roughly 12-16) plums
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 5 star anise stars
- Natural yoghurt or vanilla ice cream to serve
Instructions
- Pre-heat your oven to gas mark 4 / 180C.
- Cut each plum into two removing the stone.
- Place them skin side down in a large baking tray and sprinkle with the soft brown sugar and star anise.
- Bake in the centre of the oven for 35 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and serve 4 plum halves per person with a large dollop of natural yoghurt or ice cream.
Roasting plums helps to bring out their sweet juices and takes the edge off of those fruits that still have a little tartness to them as they caramelise in the dish. A little brown sugar gives the whole process a helping hand. I know brown sugar can hardly be classed as diet food, but trust me, a little won’t hurt.
If you are trying to stray away from processed sugar, honey will also work. A tablespoon drizzled over the top before baking will have the desired effect. You can also use any type of plum for this recipe. Or a mixture of different plum varieties. It’s up to you!
When you’re trying to be good do you give up dessert completely or do you too look to fruit to get your kicks? I’d love to hear some of your suggestions!
Mmm yummy! What a great healthy dessert and well done on your healthy eating Emma!
Thanks Kerry! I must be doing something right as I’ve lost 5lbs in a week and a half 🙂 still I can’t deny myself the sweeter things in life!
That does look great!! I do always end up craving something sweet when on a diet, will need to try this!
Thanks Jacqui! I know plums aren’t in season yet but I couldn’t resist!
Great idea, Emma! When I’m trying to eat healthily I usually turn to bananas and my microwave. Now I’ve got an alternative Oh, and I still believe I’ve got a separate stomach for dessert!
Oooh bananas are one of my favourites too – though I have one for brekkie everyday (it keeps me fuller for longer). I used to dip them in melted chocolate as a dessert…not the diet food I should be eating 😛
What a great idea for a healthy dessert, and it looks amazing too!
Thanks simpledelish! That means a lot 🙂
emmm,…..very nice
good job
I love the flavour of star anise, I can just imagine how good that is with plums. Great idea!
Thanks Janice – a wonderful autumn spice for a wonderful autumn fruit 😀