Poached pears and apples in wine

Delicious dessert of pears and poached apples in spiced wine

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10-15 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Introduction

Have you ever thought of a dessert that delights the senses on all fronts? Pears and apples poached in wine are an elegant and refined choice, perfect for a special evening or a family meal. This recipe is not only simple, but also brings a touch of culinary history, being inspired by cooking traditions that use wine in sweet dishes. Fruits cooked in wine are not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a wonderful way to transform simple ingredients into a sophisticated dessert.

Ingredients

- 4 firm green pears
- 2 firm green apples
- 750 ml semi-dry red wine
- 1 medium orange
- 200 g brown sugar or 200 g 1:1 sweetener
- 1 packet of mulled wine spices (from Fuchs)
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- Crushed pistachios (for topping)
- Optional: vanilla or banana ice cream

Advantages of the ingredients

Green pears and apples not only provide a pleasant contrast of textures, but are also rich in fiber and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice for dessert. Red wine, on the other hand, brings a complex flavor, but also contains resveratrol, a compound that may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. Brown sugar adds a note of caramelization and depth of flavor, while mulled wine spices provide that unmistakable, warm, and comforting aroma.

Step by step

1. Preparing the spiced wine
In a large pot, such as a Zepter pot or another quality cooking vessel, add the red wine, sugar or sweetener, mulled wine spices, and the orange cut in half. Put the pot on medium heat and let it boil for about 15 minutes, until it begins to simmer. This is the perfect moment to enjoy the wonderful aroma that spreads throughout the kitchen.

2. Preparing the fruits
Peel the pears and apples, keeping the stems and seed cores intact. This will not only give them an elegant appearance, but will also help maintain their shape during cooking.

3. Cooking the fruits
- For the Zepter pot: Once the wine has boiled, turn off the heat and add the peeled pears and apples. Put the lid on and let them cook off the heat until the temperature indicator returns to the safety zone marked in brown.
- For a regular pot: Add the peeled fruits to the spiced wine and let them simmer uncovered over low heat for about 35 minutes. The fruits should be cooked, but not soft, and should have a pleasant texture when chewed.

4. Cooling and reducing the wine
After the fruits are cooked, remove them from the pot and let them cool. Meanwhile, let the wine simmer over low heat until it reduces and becomes thicker. This will become the base of your velvety sauce.

5. Preparing the sauce
Once the wine has reduced, strain it into another pot. Add the cornstarch and mix vigorously until you obtain a smooth and creamy sauce.

6. Serving
Place the pears and apples in a deep dish, as for soup, and pour the warm sauce over them. Sprinkle crushed pistachios on top for added crunch. If you want to add a touch of delight, serve this wonderful dessert with a scoop of vanilla or banana ice cream.

Serving suggestions and variations

This dessert pairs perfectly with a warm drink, such as herbal tea or a strong espresso. If you want to experiment, replace the red wine with white wine or apple cider for a different but equally delicious version. You can also add other spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to customize the flavors.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of fruits?
Absolutely! You can try peaches or plums for a seasonal variant.

- How can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Feel free to use a natural sweetener, but make sure to choose one that is suitable for cooking.

- How long can this dessert be stored?
Poached fruits can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it is best to consume them fresh.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Pears and apples are an excellent source of fiber, and red wine, consumed in moderation, can offer cardiovascular benefits. Additionally, adding pistachios provides protein and healthy fats.

In conclusion, pears and apples poached in wine are a refined dessert that combines simplicity with sophistication. It is a perfect choice to impress guests or to treat yourself. Don't forget to enjoy every step of preparing this recipe and to experiment with the flavors and ingredients you love most!