Red Wine–Poached Pears
Tender pears are poached in a sweet, spiced red wine sauce, which is then reduced to a thick syrup perfect for serving.
This page may contain affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Instructions
-
Peel, halve, and core 4 to 6 pears, then submerge them in a bowl of cold water with all but 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to prevent browning.
-
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups red wine, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, the reserved 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
-
Add the pears and poach for 10 to 12 minutes on one side, then rotate and poach for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until tender.
-
Remove the poached pears to cool.
-
Increase heat on the remaining wine sauce to a rolling simmer and cook until the liquid has reduced by half.
-
Serve each pear in a shallow bowl, drizzled with the reduced sauce, and optionally accompanied by ice cream, mascarpone, or crème fraiche.