I can’t believe I’ve never made this before. My dad used to make something similar, but it didn’t include reducing red wine into a syrup, which for me is the key to this dessert. Red wine sauce is something I’ll definitely make and use more often for other fruits and cakes.
Again, one of those no-fuss desserts, with few simple ingredients, pears and red wine being main stars and winning Oscars for this role. Such a great dessert, simple and elegant. Great for cold winter nights, or as a fancy dish. Pears are anything but ordinary in this combination! Have I rhapsodized enough?
Poached pears in red wine sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A simple and elegant dessert, these poached pears in red wine are a classic crowd pleaser, perfect for cold winter nights or as a fancy dish.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups (400 ml) red wine (e.g., Merlot)
- 1 3/4 cups (400 ml) water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 tsp powdered cardamom
- Finely grated zest of 1/2 orange
- 1 vanilla bean pod, split and seeds scraped
- 2.8 oz (80 g) brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 4 firm pears, peeled with stems intact
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the red wine and water. Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom, orange zest, vanilla bean seeds and pod, brown sugar, and honey. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Meanwhile, wash and peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. Slice a small amount off the bottom of each pear so they can stand upright.
- Carefully place the pears into the simmering liquid. Cover the saucepan and poach the pears for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender but still hold their shape.
- Once the pears are cooked, remove them from the saucepan and set aside.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and continue to simmer the poaching liquid until it reduces to a syrupy consistency, about 10-15 minutes.
- Serve the pears warm, drizzled with the red wine syrup. Optionally, garnish with additional orange zest or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
Use firm pears for the best texture. The red wine syrup can be used for other fruits or as a sauce for cakes. Store leftover pears in the syrup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear with syrup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 40
- Sodium: 5
- Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0
