Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Italy with our Spiced Red Wine Poached Pears—a dessert that promises to elevate any dining experience! Picture ripe, succulent pears gently simmered in a fragrant blend of red wine, aromatic spices, and zesty orange, transforming a simple fruit into an elegant treat. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is your ticket to a culinary masterpiece that’s as delightful to behold as it is to savor. Ready to discover how to create this stunning dish? Let’s dive into the details!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears, peeled
- 2 cups red wine
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Carefully peel the pears, keeping their elegant shape intact. Try to leave the stem attached for a more beautiful presentation, if possible.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine red wine, sugar, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and orange zest. Stir gently to help sugar dissolve.
- Place the peeled pears upright in the wine mixture, ensuring they are mostly submerged. If needed, add a bit more wine to cover.
- Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Do not allow to boil, as this can cause pears to break down or become mushy.
- Reduce heat to low and let pears poach slowly, turning occasionally to ensure even color and absorption of spices. Cooking time will be approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Check pear tenderness by inserting a sharp knife into the thickest part. They should be soft but not falling apart.
- Once cooked, carefully remove pears and set aside. Increase heat and reduce remaining liquid into a syrupy consistency.
- Serve pears warm or at room temperature, drizzled with the reduced wine syrup. Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or serve with vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pears: Opt for firm, ripe pears such as Bosc or Anjou, which hold their shape well during cooking and offer a sweet, juicy flavor.
- Presentation Matters: For an elegant touch, leave the stems on the pears while peeling them. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also makes for an impressive presentation.
- Control the Heat: Keep the poaching liquid at a gentle simmer—too much heat can cause the pears to break down and lose their beautiful form.
- Flavor Infusion: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of brandy or a few slices of fresh ginger to the poaching liquid.
- Syrup Consistency: When reducing the wine mixture, keep an eye on the texture. You want it to become syrupy but not too thick; it should easily drizzle over the pears.
- Serve with Style: Elevate your dish by serving the poached pears warm or at room temperature, drizzled with the reduced syrup. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a delightful finishing touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 229kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg