This dish combines elegance and comfort, perfect as a dessert centerpiece or even a special brunch treat. The red wine reduces into a syrupy sauce, infusing the pears with deep flavor while the warm spices bring a cozy touch.
About Pears Braised in Red Wine with Warm Spices
Let's take something old and make it trendy again. Many years ago when my husband and I were dating in Kiev, I loved to order this treat as an after meal light and elegant dessert. I know these days many of you are looking for a gluten free treats. I prefer low in sweet desserts that are light and contain some benefits to my health. Even in dessert I think our bodies deserve some healthy goodies. This one has so many good things: it's fruit and spices. This fruity dessert is perfect for the cooler months of the year.
What Spices could be used?
Spices are Essential in Cooking and this is my way of cooking. I think everyone should follow my example. So ditch your Mr. Dash and start to make your own combinations. Make your own spin on every dish, because everything that we cook is our own art.
When making pears braised in red wine, the spices you choose set the tone for the dish, adding warmth and complexity. And you can choose whatever you want because there are no limits here.
Here are some options, along with their flavor profiles, to help you create the perfect balance. These spices enhance the wine's natural richness and complement the pears beautifully:
Cinnamon: sweet, warm, and aromatic; a classic choice.
Cloves: slightly bitter with a hint of sweetness; use sparingly as they are strong.
Star Anise: subtly sweet with a mild licorice flavor; adds elegance.
Nutmeg: warm, earthy, and slightly sweet.
Allspice: adds depth and more complicity when used in combination with other spices.
6. Cardamon: bright, citrusy, and slightly floral; adds a unique warmth.
7. Orange or Lemon Zest: not a spice, but the oils in the peel releases freshness and balances the sweetness.
What pears are best for this recipe?
Any firm pears will work beautifully here. In the video I used local pears, that my friend gave to me from her tree. Called Kieffer pear, it is often referred to as the "ugly pear" because of its rough, uneven shape. The Kieffer pear is a hybrid pear variety, thought to be a cross between the European Bartlett pear and the Asian Sand pear.
Did you know, that the Kieffer pear was discovered by Peter Kieffer in Pennsylvania in the 19th century and became widely cultivated in the South.
Last year I published a similar recipe with apples, also very tasty, gluten free and full of aromatic spices: Baked Apples with Honey and Spices. Ukrainian recipe
Let's do it...
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 35-50 minutes
Total time: 40-55 minutes
Yield: 6-9 servings as a side dish
Author: Inna of innichkachef.com
Ingredients
6 firm pears (I used local winter pears. called Kieffer Pear)
1 bottle (750 ml) red wine (a dry red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
1 cup raw cane sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
3-4 bay leaves
3-4 whole cloves
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 lemon or orange (zest peels only)
Directions
Prepare the Pears:
Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact for a pretty presentation.
If you'd like, core the pears from the bottom using a melon baller or small knife.
Make the Poaching Liquid:
In a saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the red wine, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla bean, bay leaves, anise stars. Or any optional spices such as allspice, peppercorns for a more complex flavor.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Poach the Pears:
Gently add the peeled pears to the pot with aromatic liquid, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
Simmer the pears with the lid on low heat for 30-40 minutes, turning them occasionally so they poach evenly. They should become tender but still hold their shape.
Reduce the Poaching Liquid:
Once the pears are soft, remove them from the saucepan and set them aside.
Increase the heat to medium-high, take the lid off and reduce the poaching liquid until it thickens into a syrupy consistency (about 10 minutes or so).
Serve:
Place the pears on serving plates and drizzle the red wine reduction over the top. You can serve them warm or chilled.
Optional garnish: Add a dollop of whipped cream, crème fraîche, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the dessert.
This dish is perfect on its own or paired with other treats like biscotti or shortbread. Would you like to experiment with any flavor variations, such as adding chocolate sauce or a spiced syrup twist? Why not?
ENJOY!
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