| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 272 | 0.2g | 0g | 68g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 54g | 5g | 0.8g | 0.01g |
There’s something charmingly magical about traditional recipes with a twist, and my Red Wine Poached Pears with Tonka Bean recipe is no exception. Imagine the sweet, delicate taste of pears, artfully poached in rich, velvety red wine, perfectly balanced with the unique, warm notes of the tonka bean. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a sublime creation that cleverly blends simplicity with culinary finesse.
A Culinary Love Letter To My Roots and Wellness
As a California native, health and taste go hand-in-hand in my kitchen. My recipes are inspired by the freshness and vibrancy of the West Coast, and this recipe for Red Wine Poached Pears with Tonka Bean encapsulates this philosophy beautifully. Pears—a fruit plentiful in fiber and rich in essential vitamins—get a delightful makeover in this recipe, becoming a dessert that’s not only indulgent but also carries the health-consciousness my cooking is known for.
Then there’s the red wine. We Californians are serious about our wine, and why shouldn’t we be? It has a few notable health benefits, so you can enjoy your dessert without the guilt. Moderate intake of red wine has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease, thanks to its high level of powerful antioxidants. Go ahead and savor this delicious indulgence—you’re really doing your body a favor!
Not Just Another Dessert
What sets this recipe apart and really revs up the flavor profile is the tonka bean. This exotic ingredient, native to South America, is similar to vanilla but with an arresting hint of spice and cherry—an extraordinary addition to this Californian-American comfort dish. Whipping up this dessert will introduce you to a new and exciting flavor that you’ll want to revisit again and again.
This dish, in its essence, is reminiscent of poached apples—a staple dessert in American households. But why stop with apples when pears can offer a slightly different texture and a uniquely refreshing flavor? I also recommend serving these Red Wine Poached Pears with a scoop of tahini ice cream or teaming it up with a piece of almond tart for a well-rounded dessert experience that’s bound to impress your guests.
Whether you’re cooking for family fun, a dinner party, or simply practicing some self-love, this recipe encapsulates the healthy, soulful approach to food that I pride myself on. Embrace the deliciousness that is Red Wine Poached Pears with Tonka Bean, and elevate your culinary narrative one delightful bite at a time.
What You’ll Need
- 6 firm, ripe pears
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla pod
- 1 tonka bean, finely grated
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cloves
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
Method
Step One
Start by peeling the pears, ensuring to leave the stalks on. Once peeled, place the pears in a large saucepan.
Step Two
Pour the whole bottle of red wine into the saucepan. Add in the cup of granulated sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved.
Step Three
Split the vanilla pod lengthwise, scrape out the seeds and add both the seeds and the pod to the saucepan.
Step Four
Next, grate the tonka bean into the saucepan. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, the zest of 1 lemon and the juice of the same lemon into the saucepan as well.
Step Five
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat so that the mixture is simmering. Allow the pears to poach in the wine mixture for around 30 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a knife.
Step Six
Once the pears are cooked to your liking, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the pears to cool in the poaching liquid.
Step Seven
When serving, place a pear on each plate and drizzle with some of the red wine poaching liquid. If you prefer, you can also reduce the poaching liquid until it is syrupy, and serve the pears with this thick syrup. Enjoy this sophisticated dessert!
