Plums Poached in Marsala: A Heavenly Dessert
When fresh plums are at their peak, indulge in this sumptuous recipe that transforms them into a luscious dessert that I could savor every evening! Originally crafted by the esteemed English food writer Delia Smith and given a personal twist, this dish is a delightful fusion of simplicity and elegance.
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Difficulty: Easy
- Keywords: Plums, Fruit, Quick Dessert, Beginner Cook
Ingredients
- 10 plums: Ripe and juicy, halved and pitted
- 2 cups sweet Marsala wine: Adds depth and a rich, sweet flavor
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence: For a hint of aromatic sweetness
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy note
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the plums and balances the flavors
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon rind: Adds a refreshing citrus zing
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot: Thickens the sauce beautifully
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F), ensuring it’s perfectly heated for even baking.
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Prepare the Plums: Halve the plums and carefully remove the stones. Arrange them cut side up in a rectangular baking dish—Corningware, Pyrex, or any similar oven-safe dish works wonderfully.
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Make the Poaching Liquid: In a large jug, mix together the sweet Marsala wine, vanilla essence, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and fresh lemon rind. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is fragrant.
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Combine and Bake: Pour the prepared Marsala mixture evenly over the plums in the baking dish. Place the dish on the center shelf of your preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes, turning the plums over after 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
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Prepare the Sauce: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Carefully strain the poaching liquid into a small saucepan. Discard the lemon rind.
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Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, create a paste with the arrowroot by mixing it with a little water. Add this paste to the poaching liquid in the saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk continuously until the mixture begins to simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened and achieved a glossy finish. Remember, it will thicken further as it cools.
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Serve: Pour the thickened sauce back over the baked plums. These plums can be enjoyed either hot or cold. Serve them with a dollop of cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 305.2
- Fat: 0.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 17 mg
- Carbohydrates: 54.4 g
- Fiber: 3.1 g
- Sugar: 47.2 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
This dessert is an exquisite treat that brings out the natural sweetness and flavor of ripe plums, enveloped in a rich, aromatic Marsala sauce. Whether served as a comforting warm dessert or a chilled indulgence, these poached plums are sure to impress and delight. Enjoy this refined yet simple recipe that celebrates the best of fresh fruits and classic flavors! 🍑🍷✨
