Poached Pears in Red Wine

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Poached Pears in Red Wine

 

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Poached Pears in Red Wine

This recipe for poached pears in red wine is the perfect dessert for a cold winter evening or a sophisticated brunch treat. The natural sweetness of the pears is enhanced by the rich flavors of the wine and spices.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Wait Time1 day
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 225kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 large pears, Anjou or Bartlett, with stems intact
  • 1 bottle Pinot Noir or other light fruity red wine, (750 ml)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1.5 cups sugar
  • 1 Vanilla bean
  • 0.25 teaspoon clove powder
  • 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 inch long
  • Raspberry syrup, optional

Instructions

  • Peel the pears with a peeler, leaving stems on. Combine the wine, water, sugar, vanilla, clove powder, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
  • Add the pears and poach in barely simmering the liquid for 35 to 40 minutes or until pink in color with soft centers. Turn them occasionally to cook evenly (set a clean cloth on top of the liquid to keep them submerged). Let the pears cool to room temperature in the liquid and store in the fridge.
  • Serve as is with some of the red wine or with raspberry syrup. 

Video

Notes

Do not discard the remaining wine; it could be used to make vin chaud or red wine sorbet.

Cooking Tips for Poached Pears in Red Wine:

  1. Choose the Right Pears: Select firm pears like Anjou or Bartlett. These varieties hold up well during poaching, keeping their shape while absorbing the flavors of the wine and spices.
  2. Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the poaching liquid at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. This helps the pears cook evenly and absorb the wine’s flavors without becoming mushy.
  3. Even Cooking: Turn the pears occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and take on the rich color from the red wine. A clean cloth over the liquid can help keep them submerged.
  4. Let Them Cool in the Liquid: After poaching, allow the pears to cool in the poaching liquid. This lets them absorb more flavor and intensifies the color, making them more flavorful and vibrant.
  5. Serve with Garnishes: For an extra touch of flavor and elegance, serve the poached pears with a drizzle of raspberry syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
  6. Resting Time: For best results, let the pears rest in the fridge overnight. This allows the flavors to deepen and meld, resulting in a more flavorful dessert.
  7. Wine Selection: Choose a light, fruity red wine, like Pinot Noir, to avoid overpowering the pears. The wine should complement the natural sweetness of the pears without being too heavy or tannic.
  8. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices such as star anise or nutmeg to personalize the poaching liquid and create unique flavor profiles.

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