Sweet & Spicy: Delicious Chicken Curry Recipe
If you’re looking to spice up your next dinner party with a unique and flavorful sauce, then look no further than this raisin-wine sauce recipe. This savory sauce combines the rich, fruity flavor of dark raisins with the robust taste of dry red wine and a touch of cinnamon to create a truly unique flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
Not only is this sauce delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. It pairs well with a variety of dishes like ham, steak, pork tenderloin, chicken breast, and even pudding or raisin pie. No matter what main course you choose, this raisin-wine sauce is sure to elevate the flavors and make your meal an unforgettable experience.
With simple ingredients like brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and olive oil, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike. Plus, there are plenty of variations and substitutions you can make to customize the dish to your liking.
So why settle for a plain old sauce when you can wow your guests with this delectable raisin-wine creation? Don’t believe me? Give it a try yourself and let your taste buds be the judge!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a food enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for a new recipe that is not only delicious but also versatile in terms of what it can be paired with. And let me tell you, this raisin-wine sauce recipe ticks all the boxes!
Firstly, the combination of dry red wine and dark raisins in this sauce perfectly balances out the sweetness and tartness. The addition of cinnamon and dry mustard takes the flavor profile up a notch by providing a warm, slightly spicy note to the sauce.
Secondly, this versatile sauce recipe can be paired with an array of meat dishes. It works exceptionally well with pork tenderloin, chicken breast, pepper steak, or even baked ham. The savory sweetness of raisin-wine sauce can also spice up your pudding or raisin pie game!
Finally, for those looking for substitutions or variations to this recipe – there are plenty! You can swap out the red wine for white wine or port wine depending on what you have on-hand. Additionally, you can even add a dash of olive oil to give the sauce a more luxurious texture.
With its rich blend of flavors and versatility in pairing options, this raisin-wine sauce recipe is one that every home cook needs in their recipe arsenal. So go ahead and try out this outstanding sauce recipe – your taste buds will thank you later!
Ingredient List
For this raisin wine sauce recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of dark raisins, soaked in 1 cup of dry red wine and 1 cup of port wine
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon of crushed peppercorns
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water
- Salt, to taste
Make sure to soak the raisins in the wine and sugar for at least one hour before starting the recipe. You can also use white wine if you prefer a lighter flavor or if you are serving this sauce with fish or chicken dishes.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Soak Raisins in Wine
To begin with the raisin-wine sauce, combine 2 cups of dark raisins with 1 1/2 cups of dry red wine. Allow them to sit together for at least an hour before making the sauce so that the raisins soak up all of the wine’s bold and complex flavors.
Step 2: Sauté Raisins and Brown Sugar
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add soaked raisins and cook for about 2 minutes. Then add 1/2 cup brown sugar, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved and mixture has caramelized, about 5-8 minutes.
Step 3: Add Wine Vinegar and Chicken Broth
Pour in 1/4 cup red wine vinegar and 2 cups chicken broth to the pan. Bring it to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 4: Incorporate Port Wine and Dry Mustard
Stir in 1/2 cup port wine into the pan. Then add 1 tablespoon dry mustard to avoid lumps formation. Mix well until smooth.
Step 5: Add Cornstarch Mixture
Mix together 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, forming a slurry. Gradually pour this slurry mixture into the pan while stirring constantly, followed by a sprinkle of cinnamon, 1/2 tsp of salt, and crushed peppercorns.
Continue stirring gently for around 10-15 more minutes until the sauce turns thicker and glossy.
And voilà! Your delicious raisin-wine sauce is ready to be served on top of pork tenderloin or chicken breast, or as a dipping sauce for pepper steak.
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to change things up with your raisin-wine sauce recipe? Here are some potential substitutions and variations that you can try:
– Wine: While this recipe calls for dry red wine, you can experiment with using other types. For a lighter flavor, you could try a white wine instead. A port wine would also work well and add some extra sweetness.
– Raisins: Don’t have dark raisins on hand? You could use golden raisins instead or even swap them out for dried cranberries or cherries. Just keep in mind that this will change the overall flavor of the sauce.
– Sugar: Brown sugar works well in this recipe, but you could also experiment with using honey, maple syrup, or another sweetener of your choice.
– Mustard: If you’re not a fan of dry mustard, you could try using Dijon mustard instead or leave it out entirely.
– Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used in this recipe to thicken the sauce, but you could use flour or another thickener instead if that’s what you have on hand.
As always, substitutions may affect the flavor and texture of the dish, so be sure to adjust your ingredients and cooking times accordingly. Keep experimenting and have fun creating your own unique twists on this delicious raisin-wine sauce recipe!
Serving and Pairing
This raisin-wine sauce is a versatile condiment that pairs wonderfully with various dishes. It adds layers of flavor to dishes such as pork, chicken, and steak. I would recommend serving this savory sauce alongside a baked ham for your next holiday gathering. The sweetness from the brown sugar and raisins balanced with the acidity from the red wine vinegar creates a perfect complement to the saltiness of the ham.
For a perfect pairing with dessert, drizzle this sauce over a warm raisin pie or bread pudding. The spice of cinnamon in the sauce elevates the sweetness of these desserts and makes them even more indulgent.
If you’re serving pork tenderloin or chicken breast, pour this sauce over them while cooking to infuse a rich depth of flavor. For vegetarians, the sauce can be served over roasted root vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots.
This recipe can also be tweaked to match different types of wine. For example, pairing with white wine results in a more delicate and lighter taste, whereas red wine creates a bolder taste that will enhance the richness of your dish.
Overall, this raisin-wine sauce is easy to make and adds a touch of elegance to any dish. Keep it simple by serving it on your favorite dishes or experiment with different pairings for an exceptional culinary experience.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This raisin-wine sauce is perfect for making in advance, as it can easily be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. If you plan to make the sauce ahead of time, allow it to cool to room temperature before storing.
To store the sauce in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it for longer than that, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to reheat the sauce, simply heat it in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. If the consistency is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Perhaps the best part about this recipe is that it can be used in so many different dishes. Whether you’re serving pork tenderloin, chicken breast or pepper steak, this raisin-wine sauce adds a layer of flavor that is sure to impress. It even goes well with pudding and raisin pie!
Overall, this recipe is simple to make and versatile enough to use in a variety of dishes. Make it ahead of time and store it until you’re ready to serve your meal – your family and friends will love the unique combination of brown sugar, raisins and dry red wine. Whether served over baked ham or gift-wrapped holiday ham, this raisin-wine sauce is sure to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any dish.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure perfect results when making this raisin-wine sauce, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, make sure to use high-quality ingredients, particularly the wine and raisins. The dry red wine should be flavorful and robust, while the dark raisins should be plump and moist.
When creating the sauce, be sure to simmer it over low heat to prevent scorching or over-reduction. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and adjust the heat as necessary.
To thicken the sauce without lumps or clumps, whisk the cornstarch and water together before adding them to the sauce. Be sure to add them slowly, whisking constantly, until the desired thickness is achieved.
To enhance the flavor of the sauce even further, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or crushed peppercorns. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
Finally, when serving and pairing the raisin-wine sauce, consider its versatility. It pairs well with a variety of meats, including pork tenderloin, chicken breast, pepper steak, and baked ham. It can also be used as a sweet finish for rice pudding or as a filling for raisin pie.
By following these tips and experimenting with different serving ideas, you’re sure to create a delicious and memorable recipe that will impress your guests!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be some questions that arise when making Raisin-Wine Sauce. To help ensure your success in making this delicious sauce, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What does adding raisins to wine do?
When looking to enhance a wine’s texture and flavor, sommeliers often turn to raisins due to their plentiful body. Adding raisins to a wine can produce a heartier impression and improve its mouth-feel by increasing viscosity. This results in a longer-lasting fruit flavor on the palate, creating a fruity sensation.
How long to soak raisins in wine?
To prepare a sweet and flavorful mixture, combine water, wine, and sugar and heat it up until it starts to simmer. After simmering for 5 minutes, remove the mixture from the heat and add a vanilla bean along with its seeds and a handful of raisins. Leave the mix to rest for approximately 12 hours at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld together.
How to make wine from raisins at home?
To make a sweet and tangy mixture, combine raisins, sugar, and lemon in a spacious stone or ceramic jar. After that, include 6 quarts of boiling water and mix every day for seven days, covering with a towel to let it rest. Afterwards, strain and bottle the concoction, and allow it to mature for another 10 to 12 days.
Can you use raisins in wine making?
Utilizing raisins in wine recipes is a widely popular practice due to its ability to provide a rich flavor and body to the beverage that is often missing in other wines made from fresh fruit.
Bottom Line
In summary, the Raisin-Wine Sauce recipe is a versatile and delicious addition to any dish. It can be used as a glaze for ham, a sauce for pork tenderloin or chicken breast, and even as the perfect accompaniment to raisin pie or bread pudding. The combination of raisins soaked in wine and mixed with brown sugar, cinnamon, dry mustard, and red wine vinegar gives this sauce its unique flavor profile that will make your taste buds dance.
For those looking to switch things up, there are also various substitutions and variations that can be made to customize the recipe to your liking. And with tips for perfect results and make-ahead options, this sauce recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
So why not give this raisin-wine sauce recipe a try? It’s simple, versatile and sure to impress. Whether it’s on a gift-wrapped ham for the holidays or a juicy pepper steak, this sauce is guaranteed to elevate any meal. Cheers to indulging in the sweet richness of raisin-wine sauce!
Raisin-Wine Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1/2 cup dark raisin
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small saucepan heat all ingredients to a boil over medium heat.
- Simmer 5 minutes.
- Spoon over Christmas pudding or fruitcake.