Wine Gelée (Vin Gelée) Recipe
Category: Desserts
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red wine | 1 liter |
| Sugar | 200 grams |
| Lemon | 1 |
| Orange | 1 |
| Nutmeg (freshly grated) | ½ teaspoon |
| Cloves | 5 |
| Cinnamon sticks | 2 |
| Star anise | 2 |
| Gelatin sheets | 15 grams |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Gelatin:
Start by soaking the gelatin sheets in cold water for about 10 minutes to allow them to soften. -
Prepare the Citrus:
Peel the lemon and orange using a vegetable peeler or a small knife, making sure to only remove the outer zest (the colored part of the peel), not the white pith. -
Infuse the Wine:
In a large saucepan, combine the sugar with the citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Grate half of the nutmeg directly into the pan for added spice. -
Add the Red Wine:
Pour the red wine into the pan, and heat the mixture over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. -
Strain the Wine Mixture:
Once the sugar has dissolved and the wine is infused with the spices and citrus, strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the solid ingredients, leaving only the infused liquid. -
Dissolve the Gelatin:
Take the soaked gelatin sheets, squeeze out any excess water, and add them to the warm, strained wine mixture. Stir well until the gelatin is completely dissolved. -
Fill the Molds:
Carefully spoon or pour the gelatin mixture into small dessert molds, each with a capacity of about 70 ml, filling them almost to the top. -
Chill the Gelée:
Place the molds in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 3 hours, or until the gelée is fully set and firm. -
Unmold and Serve:
Once the gelée has set, remove the molds from the fridge. To easily unmold them, briefly dip each mold into a pan of hot water (just for a few seconds). Then, gently turn the molds upside down onto a dessert plate and carefully lift the mold off the gelée. -
Garnish (Optional):
For a decorative touch, garnish the wine gelée with strips of lemon zest or other citrus peel.
Enjoy this elegant dessert as a refreshing and flavorful treat perfect for special occasions or as a light after-dinner delight.
Tips:
- You can also serve the gelées together on a larger platter if you prefer to present them as a group.
- Experiment with different wine varieties or add a hint of other spices to suit your personal taste.
Storage:
Store any leftover wine gelée in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 2-3 days.
This Vin Gelée is a delightful dessert that beautifully combines the richness of red wine with the refreshing flavors of citrus and aromatic spices. With a delicate, wobbly texture, it’s a perfect treat to serve at dinner parties or as a festive treat during the holiday season. Enjoy!
