This elegant dessert features red wine poached pears in a rich red wine syrup, enhanced with spices like cinnamon and cardamom. The combination of red wine, sugar, and orange juice creates a flavorful liquid that tenderizes the fruit while infusing it with warmth and sweetness.
Perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, these poached pears can be served warm or chilled, complemented by a dollop of mascarpone or whipped cream for added richness.
Creating the Perfect Poached Pears
Poached pears are a delightful dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of the fruit, enhanced by a rich red wine syrup. The process begins with selecting the right pears, such as Bosc or Anjou, known for their firm texture and ability to hold up during cooking.
To prepare, start by peeling the pears, leaving the stems intact for an elegant presentation. This step is crucial as it allows the poaching liquid to penetrate the fruit, infusing it with flavors while maintaining its shape.
The Art of Poaching
The poaching process involves simmering the pears in a mixture of red wine, sugar, and orange juice, along with aromatic spices like cinnamon and cardamom. This combination creates a fragrant liquid that tenderizes the pears while imparting warmth and depth of flavor.
In a medium pot, combine the red wine, sugar, orange juice, and spices.
Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Once the liquid is ready, add the peeled pears and let them simmer gently, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Reducing the Poaching Liquid
After the pears have cooked to a tender yet firm consistency, carefully remove them from the pot and set them aside. The next step is to reduce the poaching liquid, allowing it to thicken into a syrupy sauce.
Increase the heat and let the liquid simmer until it reaches a desired thickness, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. This reduction intensifies the flavors, creating a luscious sauce that will beautifully coat the poached pears when served.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving, the poached pears can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making them versatile for any occasion. Drizzle the thickened syrup over the pears and garnish with a sprinkle of orange zest for a pop of color and brightness.
For added richness, serve alongside a dollop of creamy mascarpone, whipped cream, or crème fraîche. This combination not only enhances the flavors but also adds a luxurious texture to the dessert.
Creating a Festive Atmosphere
Presenting poached pears on a rustic wooden table creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for holiday gatherings. The contrast of the vibrant red wine syrup against the natural wood enhances the overall aesthetic of the dish.
Consider arranging the pears on a beautiful plate, allowing the syrup to pool around them. This not only highlights the dessert’s elegance but also makes for a stunning centerpiece that will impress your guests.
Delicious Red Wine Poached Pears
The recipe involves peeling Bosc or Anjou pears and gently simmering them in a mixture of red wine, sugar, orange juice, and spices until they are tender. The poaching liquid is then reduced to create a thickened syrup that can be drizzled over the pears when serving. This dish is not only visually stunning but also a delightful way to enjoy seasonal fruit.
Ingredients
- 4 medium Bosc or Anjou pears, peeled
- 2 cups red wine
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 cardamom pods, crushed
- 2-3 cloves
- Zest of 1 orange
- Honey to taste (optional)
- Mascarpone, whipped cream, or crème fraîche for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Pears: Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. Set aside.
- Make the Poaching Liquid: In a medium pot, combine red wine, sugar, orange juice, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Poach the Pears: Gently add the peeled pears to the simmering liquid. Cover and simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the pears are tender but still firm. Turn the pears occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Remove the Pears: Once tender, carefully remove the pears from the pot and set them aside on a plate.
- Reduce the Liquid: Increase the heat and let the poaching liquid simmer until it thickens to a syrupy consistency, about 10-15 minutes. Taste and adjust sweetness with honey if desired.
- Serve: Drizzle the thickened syrup over the poached pears and garnish as desired. Serve warm or refrigerate to serve cold later.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
Final Touches and Variations
Feel free to experiment with the spices used in the poaching liquid. Cloves, star anise, or even a hint of vanilla can add unique flavors to the dish. Additionally, adjusting the sweetness with a touch of honey can cater to personal preferences.
Whether served warm or cold, poached pears in red wine syrup are a sophisticated dessert that celebrates the beauty of seasonal fruit. This dish is sure to become a favorite at any festive gathering, leaving a lasting impression on all who enjoy it.
This recipe is part of my 39 Simple Valentine’s Day Recipes. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!
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