Print

Elegant Red Wine Poached Pears

red wine poached pears - featured image
Print Recipe

A sophisticated and easy dessert featuring pears poached in red wine with warm spices, perfect for special occasions or a cozy treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 firm but ripe Bosc or Anjou pears, peeled, stems intact
  • 1 bottle (750 ml / 25 fl oz) dry red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon recommended)
  • 1 cup (200 g / 7 oz) granulated sugar
  • 1 large cinnamon stick
  • 4–5 whole cloves
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 orange (optional)
  • 1 split vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Peel the pears carefully, leaving stems on. Core from the bottom using a melon baller or small spoon to remove seeds without breaking the fruit (10-15 minutes).
  2. In a large saucepan, combine red wine, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, lemon zest, orange zest, and vanilla bean seeds or vanilla extract. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar (about 5 minutes). Avoid boiling vigorously.
  3. Gently add pears to the simmering wine mixture, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Reduce heat to low, cover with lid or foil, and poach for 20-25 minutes, turning pears occasionally for even color and flavor.
  4. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove pears and set on a plate to cool. Discard cinnamon stick and cloves. Chill pears in the fridge for at least one hour to deepen flavors.
  5. Increase heat to medium-high and simmer remaining wine mixture until thick and syrupy, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  6. Serve pears drizzled with the red wine reduction. Optionally, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of mascarpone. Garnish with fresh mint or orange zest twist.

Notes

Use firm but ripe Bosc or Anjou pears for best results. Keep heat low to avoid mushy pears. Turn pears gently every 8-10 minutes. Reduce poaching liquid to a syrup for sauce. Poached pears taste better after chilling overnight. For non-alcoholic version, substitute red wine with grape juice, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar.

Nutrition

Keywords: red wine poached pears, poached pears recipe, elegant dessert, easy dessert, holiday dessert, fruit dessert, red wine dessert

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/elegant-red-wine-poached-pears-easy-recipe-for-a-sophisticated-dessert/