Pear Poached in Spiced Red Wine
Pear Poached in Spiced Red Wine is a delicately refined dessert that combines the natural sweetness of pears with the rich, aromatic complexity of red wine and an enchanting blend of spices. The pears, which retain their plump, white flesh, absorb the deep crimson hue of the red wine, creating an exquisite contrast when sliced. This dessert is further enhanced by the fragrant perfume of cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and a touch of citrus from the orange zest, making it a luxurious yet simple treat. The resulting poached pears are perfect for a romantic dinner or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
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Red wine | 750 ml |
Pears | 6 medium-sized pears |
Sugar | 3/4 cup |
Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 3-inch piece |
Star anise | 2 pieces |
Cloves (Laung) | 10 whole cloves |
Orange Zest (Rind) | From 1 orange |
Orange (juiced) | 1 large orange |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Instructions
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Prepare the Pears: Begin by carefully peeling the pears, keeping their stems intact for an elegant presentation. If needed, trim the bottoms so they stand upright when served.
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Combine Ingredients: In a pot large enough to comfortably fit all the pears, pour in the red wine and add the sugar, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, and orange zest. Squeeze the juice of the orange into the pot, and drop the juiced rind in as well for added flavor.
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Poaching the Pears: To ensure the pears remain submerged in the spiced wine mixture, place a piece of parchment paper directly on top of the pears, or alternatively, use a small plate. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
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Cooking: Allow the pears to cook for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a knife. Cooking time may vary depending on the size and variety of the pears. The pears should become infused with the red wine, taking on its rich color and aroma.
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Reduce the Sauce: Once the pears are cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the pot and set them aside to cool. Continue to cook the remaining wine mixture over medium heat until it reduces by half and thickens into a syrupy consistency.
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Finish the Sauce: Strain the reduction to remove the spices and zest. Taste the syrup, and if it’s too sweet, a splash of fresh lemon juice can be added to balance the flavors.
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Serving: The Pear Poached in Spiced Red Wine can be served either warm or chilled. For a decadent presentation, plate the pears and drizzle with the reduced spiced wine syrup. This dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. To elevate the experience, serve it after a savory main dish such as Leek Mushroom & Lemon Risotto or Spinach and Feta Cheese Rotolo.
Allergen Information
This dessert is naturally gluten-free and suitable for a vegetarian diet. However, individuals with specific allergies to fruits (such as pears or oranges) or wine should take caution. The recipe contains alcohol from the red wine, so it’s not appropriate for those avoiding alcohol.
Dietary Preferences
This recipe caters to vegetarians and can easily be adapted to a vegan diet by substituting the sugar with a vegan-friendly option. The addition of vanilla ice cream can be skipped or replaced with a dairy-free alternative for those following a dairy-free or vegan lifestyle.
Tips and Variations
- Choice of Pears: For the best results, use pears that hold their shape well during cooking, such as Bosc or Anjou. These varieties also have a lovely flavor that complements the spiced wine reduction.
- Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a less intense spice flavor, you can reduce the amount of star anise or cloves. Alternatively, for a more pronounced spiced profile, add a few more cinnamon sticks or a dash of ground ginger.
- Serving Suggestions: While the dish is delicious on its own, it can be paired with various accompaniments like whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.
Conclusion
Pear Poached in Spiced Red Wine is a dessert that’s both visually stunning and wonderfully flavorful. Its rich, wine-infused syrup, combined with the delicate sweetness of the pears and aromatic spices, makes it an unforgettable dish. Whether served as a standalone treat or as part of a multi-course meal, this dessert is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.