| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 275 | 0g | 0g | 57g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 38g | 7g | 1g | 0g |
Being a Seattle native with a rich Japanese heritage, I’ve always valued a balance of flavors when it comes to preparing dishes from the heart. One of my cherished experiments is the divine recipe of Poached Quinces in White Wine. What makes me love this recipe is its simplicity, yet the complexity of flavors that unravel with each bite.
An Intricate Symphony of Flavors
Quinces, a delightful fruit, often celebrated as the ‘forgotten pear,’ may not be a staple in everyone’s households. Yet once introduced to this versatile star, it’s hard to forget. Poaching them in white wine, in particular, accentuates their natural sweet-tart flavor, making them the perfect base for desserts. Paired with warm spices like star anise and cinnamon, a hint of vanilla, a unique twist from the zest and juice of a lemon, and a generous helping of sugar, they transform into an intricate symphony of flavors, taking you on a sensorial journey with every bite.
A Delightful Pairing
What I particularly enjoy is experimenting with this recipe alongside various dishes. The Poached Quinces in White Wine is incredibly versatile and can be a delightful accompaniment to your savory meals, a graceful topping for your hearty breakfast oatmeal, or even a standalone dessert when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re fond of poached pears or apples, this exotic variation is sure to leave you spellbound.
Healthy Bonus
Not only does this dish offer exquisite flavors, but it also comes with a range of health benefits, thanks to the hero of the dish – the quince. Quinces are known to be rich in Vitamin C and fiber, aiding in digestion and boosting immunity. They also harbor anti-viral properties.
To delve deeper into the world of quinces, consider reading BBC’s guide on Quince. And if you are looking for wine recommendations to use for this recipe, here’s a helpful list by VinePair.
Prepare this dish with love and let it be a testament to your adventurous side in the kitchen. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 6 large quinces
- 1 bottle of white wine (750ml)
- 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla pod, split
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cup water
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing the quinces. Peel them and cut them into quarters, removing the core as you do so. Place the peeled quinces into a large bowl of water, along with the zest and juice of the lemon. This will prevent the quinces from browning.
Step Two
In a large pot, pour in the bottle of white wine, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of water. Then, add the split vanilla pod, the star anise, and the cinnamon stick. Set the pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step Three
Once the sugar has dissolved, add the prepared quinces. Make sure they are submerged in the wine mixture. If necessary, add more water so the fruits are completely covered.
Step Four
Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for roughly one hour, or until the quinces become tender and the liquid has reduced. During this time, occasionally stir the mixture, making sure the quinces are being evenly cooked.
Step Five
After an hour, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool. The quinces can then be served immediately, or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The poached quinces can be kept for up to a week.
