Pears soaked in Port wine

Port Wine Poached Pears: A Fragrant Delicacy

Port wine poached pears are a sophisticated yet simple dessert that combines the natural sweetness of the fruit with the rich flavors of wine. This captivating recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also add an elegant touch to your table. Whether you serve them on a special occasion or simply as a personal treat, these poached pears are sure to become a favorite among all.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

- 6 firm pears (preferably Williams or Bosc)
- 100 g sugar
- 200 ml red wine (choose a wine you enjoy drinking)
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 100 ml water
- 200 ml port wine

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the pears: Start by peeling the pears, making sure to keep the stem intact. This detail not only adds a pleasing look to the dessert but also helps maintain the shape of the pears during cooking. Cut a small slice from the base of each pear to make them stand upright.

2. Creating the aromatic syrup: In a medium pot, add 200 ml of red wine, 100 ml of water, and 100 g of sugar. Place the pot over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

3. Adding the flavors: Once the mixture begins to boil, add the lemon zest, cinnamon stick, and star anise. These ingredients will infuse the pears with delicious flavors and turn the syrup into a true delicacy.

4. Poaching the pears: Place the pears in the pot, either standing or lying down, depending on your preference. Let them simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes, depending on how ripe the pears are. It is recommended to test the pears with a toothpick; they should be soft but not completely mushy.

5. Reducing the syrup: After the pears are poached, carefully remove them from the sauce and place them on a plate. Continue to boil the remaining syrup, adding the port wine. Let it boil until it reaches a syrupy consistency, about 10-15 minutes.

6. Finishing the dish: Once the syrup has reached the desired consistency, pour it over the pears already arranged on the plate.

Serving and Recommendations

I prefer to serve the pears cold, alongside vanilla ice cream or a lightly sweetened cream cheese. This combination adds a delicious contrast between warm and cold, and between sweet and tangy. Additionally, the poached pears can be garnished with a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the pears: Opt for firm pears, as they will hold up better during the cooking process. Overripe pears can become too soft and fall apart.
- Variations of the recipe: You can experiment with other flavors by adding a few black peppercorns or slices of ginger to the wine syrup. These will add a spicy and interesting note to your dessert.
- Port wine poached pears can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, so you have a delicious and elegant dessert on hand for unexpected guests.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This recipe contains approximately 180 calories per serving, depending on the size of the pears and the amount of sugar used. Pears are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious choice. Port wine, when consumed in moderation, can offer cardiovascular benefits due to its antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of wine? Yes, you can experiment with different types of red wine, but make sure to choose one that you enjoy, as its flavor will influence the final taste of the dessert.
- Can it be made with other fruits? Absolutely! Apples or peaches can also be cooked in the same way, bringing a different note to your dessert.
- How can I serve the poached pears? Besides ice cream, you can serve the pears with a scoop of mascarpone cheese, a caramel sauce, or even plain, to highlight the flavor of the wine and the fruit.

I wish you happy cooking and delicious tasting! Surely, port wine poached pears will become a reference recipe in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!