Pears Poached In Wine Sauce
Juicy pears gently poached in a fragrant wine sauce with cinnamon and lemon zest, perfect served as an elegant dessert for special occasions or cozy dinner parties.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel the pears.
- Combine Bordeaux wine, sugar, lemon rind, and cinnamon stick in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Add the peeled pears to the boiling mixture.
- Cover and poach until the pears are just tender.
- Remove the pears from the sauce and set aside.
- Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to form a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the wine mixture.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is clear and thickened.
- Arrange the poached pears on a serving dish and spoon the wine sauce over them.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, choose ripe but firm pears such as Bosc or Anjou, which hold their shape well when poached. You can substitute Bordeaux wine with any fruity red wine, such as Merlot or Zinfandel. If you want a non-alcoholic version, consider using grape juice mixed with a splash of vinegar for acidity. To enhance the spice, add a few cloves or star anise to the poaching liquid.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the poached pears warm or chilled, drizzled with the thickened wine sauce. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. For a more sophisticated touch, consider serving them alongside a cheese platter featuring creamy Brie or tangy blue cheese. This dessert is also delightful with a glass of dessert wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover poached pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pears in the wine sauce over low heat on the stove, ensuring they don't overcook. Alternatively, you can serve them chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing dessert option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pears Poached In Wine Sauce contains roughly 362 calories, with 6g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of wine for this recipe?
Yes, while Bordeaux wine is recommended for its rich flavor, you can use any fruity red wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir. For a non-alcoholic version, try grape juice with a splash of lemon juice for balance.
How do I know when the pears are done poaching?
The pears are done when they are just tender and can be pierced easily with a fork but still hold their shape. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the ripeness of the pears. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can poach the pears a day in advance and store them in the wine sauce in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving, or enjoy them cold for a refreshing dessert option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).