Delicious Braised Pears in a Red Wine Sauce Recipe
Are you looking for a dessert that is indulgent but not too heavy? Look no further than our braised pears in red wine recipe. This dessert is a classic for a reason: juicy, ripe pears are poached in a spiced red wine mixture until tender and infused with flavor.
Not only is this dessert delicious on its own, it’s also incredibly versatile. Pair it with vanilla mascarpone cream or drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra decadent treat. Or keep it simple and enjoy with a scoop of your favorite ice cream.
With just a few ingredients, anyone can make this impressive and elegant dish. So why not impress your dinner guests or treat yourself to a little something special? Try our braised pears in red wine today – you won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of poached pears, then you’ll absolutely love this braised pears in red wine recipe! This recipe is the perfect dessert to serve during special occasions or even just for a cozy night in.
Imagine biting into a succulent pear soaked in a pool of deep spiced red wine sauce. The sweetness of the pear paired with the boldness of cinnamon and cloves will transport your taste buds to another dimension.
It’s simple to make with only a handful of ingredients that may already be in your kitchen pantry or readily available at your local grocery store. This mouthwatering dish is sure to impress both yourself and your guests alike.
Not only is this dish visually appealing, but it’s versatile as well. You can serve it with mascarpone cream or alongside ice cream for an extra sweet treat. It pairs exceptionally well with white wine, chocolate and other fruits. The possibilities are endless!
Incorporating bosc pears into your diet provides multiple health benefits due to its high levels of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber content. Poaching pears in red wine makes this recipe rich in polyphenols, which have antioxidants properties helping prevent cell damage.
Overall, this braised pears in red wine recipe is an exceptional dish that deserves a place on any dinner table. Get ready to impress your guests and tickle their taste buds with this delicious recipe that’s simple, nutritious and versatile!
Ingredient List
For this delectable Braised Pears in Red Wine recipe, you will need the following Ingredients:
- Bosc Pears: 6 ripe pears
- Dry Red Wine: 2 cups
- Water: 2 cups
- Sugar: 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
- Orange Juice: 1/2 cup
- Cinnamon Sticks: 2 whole sticks
- Whole Cloves: 3 pieces
- Orange Peel: Peel of half an orange
- Lemon: 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Vanilla Bean: (Optional)
- Mascarpone Cream, Chocolate Sauce or Ice Cream (Optional): For serving with the spiced pears
Make sure you have these ingredients before starting the recipe. You can also substitute some of the ingredients according to your taste preference or availability.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prep the Pears
- Peel and core 6 Bosc pears, leaving the stems intact.
- To prevent browning, rub with a cut lemon half or add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the poaching liquid.
Step 2: Prepare Spiced Red Wine
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups dry red wine, 2 cups water, 1/2 cup sugar, orange peel, 1 cinnamon stick, and 3 whole cloves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the pears to the saucepan and spoon some of the liquid over them to coat.
- Cover the saucepan with a lid and simmer for 30 minutes on low heat.
Step 3: Make Vanilla Mascarpone Cream
- In a mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup mascarpone cheese, 1/4 cup heavy cream, and 1/4 cup powdered sugar until smooth.
- Split lengthwise, scrape out the seeds from one vanilla bean pod, and add it to the bowl. Whisk well.
Step 4: Serve Braised Pears in Red Wine
- Once cooked through, remove the pears to a platter and pour the remaining spiced red wine over them. Alternatively, you can strain the liquid (removing spices) into another saucepan and boil it for an additional few minutes until slightly thickened into a wine sauce.
- Serve the warm braised pears in red wine topped with vanilla mascarpone cream or your choice of toppings (e.g., ice cream or dark chocolate).
- Enjoy this delicious poached pear dessert with a glass of your favorite white or red wine for a perfect combination of flavors.
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking for ways to switch up this braised pears in red wine recipe? There are several creative substitutions and variations you can try that will still maintain the delicious flavor profile of the original recipe.
Firstly, if you’re looking to cut back on sugar, consider using honey, maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute. You can also use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a more complex flavor.
For an alcohol-free version of this dish, you can substitute the red wine with grape juice or apple cider. If you like to experiment with different fruit flavors, swap out the pears for peaches or apples.
If you want to add more spices to the poaching liquid, consider adding star anise, nutmeg, or allspice berries. You can also infuse the liquid with herbs like thyme, rosemary or bay leaves.
As for serving and pairing options, there are plenty of creative possibilities. Try serving the poached pears with a dollop of mascarpone cheese mixed with vanilla bean paste for a rich and creamy finish. For an indulgent dessert experience, serve the pears with a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
You could also experiment pairing the spiced pears with a glass of mulled white wine instead of red wine for a lighter dessert option. This will add depth to your pear dessert without overwhelming it with a heavy red wine sauce.
With so many possible combinations and variations for this pear dish in red wine, it’s easy to customize it to your taste preferences and dietary restrictions while still creating a delicious and elegant dessert.
Serving and Pairing
These braised pears in red wine are undoubtedly delicious on their own, but they can be elevated even further by serving them with some complementary dishes. The dish itself is already rich and decadent, so I suggest pairing it with lighter accompaniments. Some general suggestions include lightly sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Alternatively, you can try serving the pears with a bit of creamy mascarpone or a drizzle of chocolate sauce if you’re feeling especially indulgent.
If you want to bring out the spiced notes in this dish, consider pairing the pears with some mulled wine. The warm spices will complement each other well and create a cozy atmosphere for your dinner party. If wine is not your thing, try white wine instead – it’s lighter than red and will allow the flavors of the pears to shine through.
For those who prefer their desserts less sweet, consider serving these spiced pears with some fresh fruit – like berries or sliced apples – instead of ice cream. The acidity of the fruit will help cut through the richness of the pears and add a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced wine sauce.
In essence, you have many choices for pairing these poached pears in red wine, whether it’s with dessert wines, cheeses like gorgonzola or Roquefort, or even nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts. But whatever you choose to pair them with, make sure not to overpower the delicate flavor of these exquisite bosc pears poached in dry red wine.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Good news! You can make these delicious braised pears in red wine ahead of time and store them easily for later. Stored in the refrigerator, they keep well for up to four days. This is a great option for those who want to have a fancy dessert ready for guests, without doing a lot of last-minute prep.
When reheating the pears, I recommend doing so slowly and gently on the stove over low heat. This will ensure that they don’t become mushy or lose their flavor. You could also reheat them in the oven by placing them in a covered baking dish and heating at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
As for storing the wine syrup, it can be refrigerated separately for up to five days. You’ll want to reheat it slowly on the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl when you’re ready to serve. It will thicken as it cools down, so don’t be alarmed if it seems thicker than before.
If you’re serving this recipe with mascarpone cream, I recommend making it fresh before serving. However, if you do have leftovers, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Overall, this recipe is very versatile and easy to manage ahead of time. Just be sure to store everything properly to maintain its texture and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect braised pears in red wine recipe, here are some tips that will help you along the way:
1. Choose the right pears: Bosc pears are the best choice for this recipe because they hold their shape and have a sweet flavor that pairs well with the wine.
2. Use a dry red wine: A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot will add depth of flavor to the dish. Avoid using sweet wines like port or dessert wine as it will make the final result too sweet.
3. Simmer gently: When reducing the wine sauce, make sure to simmer it gently. Boiling it vigorously can cause the sugar in the wine to caramelize and turn bitter.
4. Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning while making the poaching liquid. More sugar can be added if desired, and spices like cinnamon or cloves can be adjusted to your preference.
5. Use whole spices: Whole cinnamon sticks and whole cloves will give your spiced red wine more of a delicate flavor than ground spices.
6. Chill before serving: Give the pears time to chill for several hours so that they soak up more of the delicious spiced red wine.
7. Serve creatively: Braised pears in red wine are versatile and can be served on their own, inside crepes or pies, with mascarpone cream, or drizzled with dark chocolate for added indulgence.
Follow these tips to get perfect results every time with this mouth-watering pear dessert.
FAQ
Now, let’s address some common questions about this delicious recipe for braised pears in red wine. These frequently asked questions cover everything from substitutions to serving suggestions, to help ensure that you get the most out of this elegant and flavorful dessert.
What is poached pears in red wine in French?
One of the most popular desserts in France, Poire à la Beaujolais, was first created in the regions known for their vineyards: Burgundy and Lyon. It involves poaching pears in wine, resulting in a sweet and flavorful dessert.
Do you have to peel pears before poaching?
When it comes to poaching pears, it’s important to remove the skin to avoid any bitterness from the tannins that it contains. To do so, simply use a paring knife or vegetable peeler to peel the skin off the pear. After that, cut the pear in half vertically and use a small spoon or melon baller to remove the seeds.
How long do wine poached pears last in the fridge?
When cooking a poached pear, the fruit is delicately boiled in a blend of liquid and various seasonings until it softens to just the right firmness, yet still maintains its distinctive shape. This dish can be enjoyed on its own or with other accompaniments, creating an indulgent dessert, and for those who simply can’t get enough, the leftovers can last for up to five days in the refrigerator.
Do you core pears before poaching?
It is necessary to remove the core of the pear before poaching if you want to maintain their shape while cooking.
What does it mean to poach a pear?
Poaching can be done using various liquids such as wine, juice, or a sweet syrup. This cooking technique involves slowly cooking food in a large pot of simmering liquid, much like how eggs are poached in almost-boiling water. Note that I earn from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate.
Bottom Line
After reading this recipe and learning about the delicious pairing options, I am confident that you will want to try making Braised Pears in Red Wine. Poaching pears in red wine brings out the sweetness of the fruit while adding a delicate spiced flavor that pairs incredibly well with vanilla mascarpone cream or a chocolate sauce.
Remember to choose ripe Bosc pears, and select a dry red wine that you enjoy drinking on its own. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and variations of this recipe to find your perfect combination.
So whether you’re looking for an elegant dessert for a special occasion or just a cozy night in with a glass of wine, Braised Pears in Red Wine is sure to impress both your taste buds and your guests. Give it a try and taste the magic!
Braised Pears in Red Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 large ripe firm bosc pears, peeled,stems intact
- 1 1/2 cups dry red wine
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 large lemon, juice of (about 2 tbsp.)
- 1 cinnamon stick, 3 to 4 inches long,halved
Instructions
- Cut a thin level horizontal slice from the bottom of each pear so they can easily stand upright.
- In a medium stockpot, combine the wine, water, sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Remove from heat and carefully stand pears upright in pot.
- Return pot to burner and bring to brisk simmer over medium-high heat.
- Reduct the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently until pears are very tender but not falling apart, 1 to 1 1/2 hours, basting with liquid occasionally.
- With slotted spoon transfer pears to a individual serving plates.
- Meanwhile, boil the cooking liquid over high heat until syrupy and reduced to about 1/2 cup.
- Remove and discard cinnamon pieces.
- Spoon syrup evenly over the pears; let cool to room temperature.
- Serve at room temperature.
- Or cover and refrigerate 1- 24 hours and serve chilled.