Poached Pears in Red Wine (France)

Poached Pears in Red Wine (France)

Poached pears in red wine is an elegant and sophisticated dessert that combines the luscious sweetness of pears with the rich, bold flavors of red wine and aromatic spices.

This dish is perfect for any special occasion or a comforting treat on a chilly evening. The process of poaching the pears in red wine not only tenderizes the fruit but also infuses it with the complex flavors of the wine, making for a truly indulgent dessert.

The beauty of poached pears in red wine lies in its simplicity and versatility. While the ingredients are few, the combination of red wine, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves creates a depth of flavor that enhances the natural sweetness and texture of the pears.

This dessert can be made in advance and served chilled or warm, making it an ideal choice for entertaining guests. Whether you’re celebrating a festive occasion or looking for an after-dinner treat, poached pears in red wine are sure to impress.

Ingredients 

This recipe serves 4-6 people. 

For the Poached Pears:

• 4 ripe but firm pears (Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett work well)
• 750ml (3 cups) red wine (choose a medium-bodied wine like Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2-3 cloves
• 1 strip of orange peel (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water (if needed to submerge the pears)

For the Garnish (optional):

• Fresh mint leaves
• Whipped cream or mascarpone cheese
• Crushed nuts (such as pistachios or almonds)

How to Make Poached Pears in Red Wine 

Step 1: Prepare the Pears

Peel the pears carefully, leaving the stems intact for an elegant presentation. Cut a small slice from the bottom of each pear so they can stand upright without tipping over.

Use a melon baller or a small spoon to remove the core from the bottom of the pears. Be gentle so the pears don’t break apart.

To prevent the pears from browning before cooking, place them in a bowl of water with a tablespoon of lemon juice while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Poaching Liquid

In a large saucepan, combine the red wine, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, and orange peel (if using). Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Allow the wine to reduce slightly and develop a richer flavor, about 5-10 minutes. The syrup should have a slight sweetness without being too syrupy.

Taste the liquid and adjust sweetness if necessary by adding a little more sugar. You can also add a small amount of vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor, though this is optional.

Step 3: Poach the Pears

Once the poaching liquid is ready, carefully add the prepared pears to the saucepan. If the liquid doesn’t completely cover the pears, add a little water until the pears are nearly submerged.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes, or until the pears are tender but still hold their shape. Depending on the size and ripeness of the pears, the poaching time may vary, so check the pears after 25 minutes by inserting a knife or skewer. The knife should easily pierce the flesh, but the pear should not fall apart.

Turn the pears occasionally during the poaching process to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.

Step 4: Reduce the Poaching Liquid

Once the pears are tender, remove them from the poaching liquid and set them aside on a plate to cool slightly.

Increase the heat to medium-high and continue simmering the poaching liquid for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until it has reduced to a thick syrup. The syrup should coat the back of a spoon when it’s ready.

Once the syrup has reached the desired consistency, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the cinnamon stick, cloves, and orange peel. This step ensures a smooth and refined sauce.

Step 5: Serve the Poached Pears

Place the poached pears on individual serving plates or in a large serving dish.

Drizzle the reduced wine syrup over the pears, allowing it to pool at the base of the fruit.

If desired, garnish with fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone for extra richness. Crushed nuts, like pistachios or almonds, can also add a nice crunch and contrast to the softness of the pears.

Step 6: Chill or Serve Warm Poached pears in red wine can be served immediately, or you can refrigerate them for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld and the pears to absorb more of the wine syrup. Serving them chilled can be particularly refreshing in warmer weather, while warm pears provide a cozy, comforting dessert for colder months.

Chef’s Notes

Choosing the Right Pears: For poached pears, choose a firm variety like Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett. These pears hold their shape well during poaching, unlike softer varieties, which may fall apart during cooking.

Wine Selection: The type of red wine you choose will significantly influence the flavor of the dessert. A medium-bodied wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir works best because it adds a subtle richness without overpowering the pears. Avoid wines that are too tannic or overly sweet, as they can alter the balance of flavors.

Flavor Variations: While the classic recipe calls for cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel, you can experiment with other spices like star anise, nutmeg, or cardamom for a unique twist. Additionally, you can infuse the wine with a splash of brandy or a few tablespoons of honey for added complexity.

Make-Ahead Option: Poached pears in red wine can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. In fact, the flavor improves as the pears sit in the syrup, making it an excellent dessert for dinner parties or special events.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the size of the pears and the exact ingredients used.

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Sugars: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Vitamin A: 2% of Daily Value
• Vitamin C: 10% of Daily Value
• Calcium: 3% of Daily Value
• Iron: 4% of Daily Value

Final Thoughts

Poached pears in red wine is a dessert that combines elegance, simplicity, and irresistible flavors. The tender pears absorb the rich, aromatic syrup, creating a beautifully balanced dish that is both light and indulgent.

Whether served warm or chilled, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion from dinner parties to family gatherings.

With the natural sweetness of the pears complemented by the deep, fruity notes of the red wine and the warmth of spices, poached pears in red wine offer a unique and sophisticated take on fruit-based desserts.

Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields stunning results every time.

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