Italian Recipes

Citrus-Infused Red Wine Gelée Dessert

Published
Feb 3, 2025
Reading time
3 min
Collection
Italian Recipes
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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

  1. Prepare the Gelatin:
    Start by soaking the gelatin sheets in cold water for about 10 minutes to allow them to soften.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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!