Delicious Pears Poached in Red Wine Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen, where I’ll be sharing with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: Pears Poached in Red Wine. This is a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or simply satisfying your own sweet tooth.
The combination of ripe pears and spiced red wine creates a decadent dessert that is both flavorful and aromatic. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is easy to make, and the results are impressive.
I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never fails to impress my guests. The pears poached in the wine sauce are tender and juicy, while the spices and orange zest complement the sweetness perfectly. The addition of honey and raisins adds depth to the dish, creating a complex flavor profile that will leave you craving more.
Whether you’re looking for a new dessert to try out or want to impress your dinner guests with something unique, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So why not give it a try? You won’t be disappointed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Have you ever tasted something so delicious that it leaves you craving for more? If not, then you must try these Pears Poached in Red Wine! This dessert is a treat that satisfies your sweet tooth and leaves you wanting more. Here are some reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
First of all, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a dinner party, a romantic date night or just a regular weekday dessert, poached pears always make an impression. The rich red color of the wine gives the pears a beautiful appearance that looks so fancy and elegant. You’ll impress your guests with this simple yet sophisticated dessert.
Moreover, one of the great things about this recipe is that it’s so easy to make! With just a few ingredients, you can poach ripe pears in a flavorful spiced red wine sauce. You don’t have to be a professional chef to whip up this yummy treat. So, if you’re short on time and need to create something impressive, this recipe is for you.
Another reason why you’ll love this recipe is because it’s a healthy alternative to most desserts. Pears are naturally low in fat and high in fiber making them nutritious treats! Also, instead of drowning the pears in heavy cream or sugar syrup, we’ve used honey and spices like cinnamon stick to enhance flavor without adding tons of sugar or calories.
Lastly, it’s versatile! You can serve these poached pears on their own or with many other accompaniments like chocolate sauce, crème anglaise, ice-cream or even with mulled wine! They pair well with many different types of desserts and make for a light yet satisfying end to any meal.
In conclusion, there are many reasons why you’ll love this recipe of Pears Poached in Red Wine. From its versatility to its ease of preparation and health benefits and lovely presentation- all make this dish worth trying. You won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
To make these decadent pears poached in red wine, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 ripe pears
- 2 cups of dry red wine
- ½ cup of honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 orange peel
- Juice and zest of ½ an orange
- 1/3 cup of raisins
- 1 tablespoon of creme de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split
- 1 star anise
The Recipe How-To
To start, we need to prepare the pears for cooking. If you haven’t bought pre-ripened pears, let them sit at room temperature for a couple of days until they become fully ripe. Once you have your ripe pears, peel them using a vegetable peeler and use a melon baller or a teaspoon to scoop out the core from the bottom of the pear.
Preparing the Wine Mixture
In a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups of dry red wine, ½ cup of sugar, 1 strip of orange peel, and 1 cinnamon stick. Add a pinch of ground cloves and bring the mixture to a boil.
Cooking the Pears in Wine Mixture
Once the wine mixture has come to a boil, reduce the heat to simmer and gently drop in the prepared pears. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender.
Checking if The Pears Are Cooked
To check if the pears are cooked, insert a skewer into the thickest part of one pear. If there’s no resistance, then your pears are done.
Removing The Cooked Pears From The Saucepan
Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove your pears from the saucepan and transfer them onto a plate.
Reducing The Sauce
Turn up the heat of your stove to high and let the leftover wine mixture in your saucepan boil for about 5 minutes until it has thickened into a syrupy consistency. Be careful not to let it burn.
Straining The Sauce
Remove the orange peel and cinnamon stick from your sauce pan by pouring it through a fine-mesh strainer into another clean container. Do not push down on any solids in your strainer.
Serving the Pears
Place the cooked pears onto a plate and drizzle the reduced wine syrup over them. You can serve your poached pears in red wine as it is or add some toppings like chocolate sauce, crème anglaise, or ice cream if you want.
Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to mix things up with your Poached Pears in Red Wine recipe? Don’t worry; I’ve got some great substitutions and variations for you to elevate your dish.
Firstly, instead of using red wine, try using white wine for a refreshing twist. The poached pears will have a lighter color, and the flavors will complement each other with the sweetness of the pear and the wine.
If you don’t have access to Creme de Cassis, use raspberry liqueur or any other fruit liqueur that goes well with pears.
For an added flavor blast of sweetness, try substituting honey for sugar. Honey has a distinct flavor that can add another dimension to the recipe.
Instead of orange juice and zest, you can use apple cider or lemon juice, enhancing the fruity notes or balancing the tartness with the other ingredients.
Want to add some crunchy texture to your Poached Pears in Red Wine dessert? Garnish them with slivered almonds or crushed pistachios. The nuts’ earthy flavor and crunch will perfectly balance the soft texture of the pears.
Finally, serving poached pears with different sauces or ice cream flavors is an excellent way to make it more interesting. You can serve spiced pears with chocolate sauce, crème anglaise, white wine, mulled wine, or ice cream topped with dark chocolate shavings.
Try experimenting and see what works for you. Whether you are trying those substitutions or variations or sticking to the original recipe, poached pears are an easy and elegant dessert that can impress any guest.
Serving and Pairing
Once the pears are perfectly poached and ready to be served, you can let them cool before putting them in a serving dish or individual plates. Drizzle some of the sauce over the pears, using a spoon or a small ladle, and sprinkle with some cinnamon stick, raisins, or orange zest for extra flavor.
These poached pears in red wine are delicious on their own or with a variety of accompaniments. For a simple yet elegant dessert, serve the pears with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture will complement the sweet and spiced flavors of the pears.
If you feel like indulging, you can also pair the poached pears with chocolate sauce, crème anglaise, or dark chocolate shavings for a decadent treat. The richness of the chocolate will balance out the acidity of the red wine and add depth to your dessert.
For a more complex pairing, try serving the poached pears with a glass of white wine or mulled wine. The fruity notes in both wines will complement the gentle sweetness and soft texture of the poached pears. You can also pair these wine-poached pears with other fruits for a colorful and refreshing dessert platter.
Overall, these delicious poached pears in red wine are versatile enough to pair with various dish options but is best enjoyed by indulging your taste buds with its unique flavors on its own or in a company of good wine.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re planning to make this delectable poached pears recipe for a dinner party, you’ll love that you can prepare it ahead of time. The recipe is perfect for making ahead, as it tastes even better the next day. Once the pears are poached in red wine, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
To store the poached pears, place them in a container with some of the wine syrup, ensuring that they are fully submerged. This will help keep them moist and flavorful. When ready to serve, remove the pears from the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature before plating.
The leftover wine syrup can also be saved for later use. Simply transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can use it as a topping for vanilla ice cream or yogurt, or drizzle over baked fruit or cake.
Reheating the poached pears is easy, too. Simply bring the wine syrup to a simmer on the stove and add the pears to warm through for several minutes before serving. If you decide to reheat the pears, make sure not to overcook them as they may become too soft.
Overall, this poached pear recipe is wonderful for make-ahead occasions, as storing and reheating it are effortless tasks. The result is a delicious dessert that will delight your guests and complement any meal perfectly.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure a perfect batch of poached red wine pears, here are a few tips that will come in handy.
Firstly, it’s always advisable to use ripe and firm pears. Preferably Bosc pears, as they hold up well while poaching and do not become mushy. Use a melon baller to scoop out the core from the bottom of each pear.
Secondly, when poaching the pears, be sure to cook them until they are just tender. Overcooking can result in a soft and mushy texture.
To make the spiced red wine for poaching, use dry red wine such as Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon. Adding honey, cinnamon stick, star anise, raisins and creme de cassis to the pot brings the depth of flavors and enhances the taste of pears. Boil the mixture for 5 minutes then reduce heat and let it simmer before adding the peeled pears.
A good rule of thumb is to allow about 20-25 minutes of cooking time for the pears to become tender. Check occasionally by piercing them with a fork to see if they’re done. Stir carefully as you don’t want to damage the delicate fruit.
Once poached, let the pears cool down in the saucepan itself entirely till at room temperature. Pears can absorb flavors well so let them sit in poaching liquid for a few hours; you can gently reheat them when ready to serve.
Lastly, get creative with your serving suggestions! These spiced red wine poached pears go well with chocolate sauce, crème anglaise or ice cream on top. If you have any leftover wine sauce from poaching pears, strain it out and reserve for next time using it over fruit baked desserts or even as an accompaniment with cheese boards.
FAQ
As a seasoned chef, I’ve tested and retested this poached pears recipe to ensure that it’s perfect every time. However, it’s reasonable to come across certain queries about the recipe, so I’ve compiled some frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot any issues that might arise. Read on to find answers to any common issues or concerns!
Do you have to peel pears before poaching?
When preparing pears for poaching, it is important to remove the skin to avoid any bitter aftertaste caused by the tannins in the skin. Using a vegetable peeler or a paring knife, carefully peel the skin off the pear. Once peeled, cut the pear in half vertically and remove the seeds using a small spoon or a melon baller.
What is poached pears in red wine in French?
An iconic dessert from French cuisine, Poire à la Beaujolais or poached pears in wine, has its roots in the wine-growing regions of Burgundy and Lyon.
How ripe should pears be for poaching?
When it comes to poaching pears, it’s crucial to choose pears that are firm but just slightly ripe. If they are too ripe, they will turn out mushy. Additionally, an appealing presentation can be achieved by keeping the stem on while coring the pears from the bottom end utilizing a melon baller.
Why do you poach pears?
If you’re searching for a way to liven up your baked treats, poached pears might just do the trick. Although they are tasty enough to enjoy as the main attraction of a dessert, adding them to a recipe can create a deep and aromatic flavor. This technique is particularly useful in baking, where the pears can be poached beforehand to ensure they don’t come out undercooked or unpalatable.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you want to impress your guests with a delicious and elegant dessert, you should definitely try this recipe for pears poached in red wine. The blend of sweet and spicy flavors make it the perfect finishing touch for any dinner party or romantic date night.
What’s great about this recipe is that you can easily modify it to suit your personal taste preferences. You can add different spices like star anise or cardamom to the poaching liquid for an even more complex flavor, or use white wine instead of red wine for a lighter taste. You could even experiment with adding other fruits like apples or figs to the mix.
When serving the pears, consider pairing them with complementary flavors like dark chocolate or crème anglaise, or serving them alongside ice cream.
This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy, as pears are full of fiber and essential nutrients. So what are you waiting for? Grab some ripe pears and a bottle of red wine and get ready to impress your taste buds with this delectable dessert!
Pears Poached in Red Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups red wine
- 1/4 cup creme de cassis
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 pears, cored and sliced
- whipped cream
- slivered almonds
Instructions
- Simmer the wine, crème de cassis, raisins, cinnamon, and honey together for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add the pears and cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Serve in bowls or sherbet glasses topped with freshly whipped cream and slivered almonds.
- This dish can be prepared hours in advance and is good hot, warm, or chilled.