Yunnan-style Red Wine Poached Pears

Ingredients

In this Yunnan adaptation, we replace the traditional French red wine with a locally produced Yunnan red wine, which adds a distinct flavor profile to the dish. Additionally, we incorporate Yunnan spices and sweeteners to enhance the taste and reflect the culinary traditions of the region. We alse have the original recipe for Poires au vin, so you can check it out.

• 4 ripe pears, peeled and cored 4 ripe pears, peeled and cored
• 750 ml (3 cups) Yunnan red wine 750 ml (3 cups) Yunnan red wine
• 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 star anise 4 star anise
• 4 cloves 4 cloves
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• Juice of 1 orange Juice of 1 orange
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 50g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large saucepan, combine the Yunnan red wine, sugar, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, vanilla bean, orange zest, orange juice, and honey. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. 2.
   Add the peeled and cored pears to the saucepan, ensuring they are fully submerged in the liquid. If needed, add more wine or water to cover the pears.
3. 3.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the pears simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. 4.
   Once the pears are cooked, carefully remove them from the poaching liquid and set aside.
5. 5.
   Increase the heat to medium-high and let the poaching liquid simmer until it reduces and thickens slightly, creating a syrup-like consistency.
6. 6.
   Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the poaching liquid to remove the spices and zest.
7. 7.
   Serve the poached pears warm or chilled, drizzled with the reduced poaching liquid.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Yunnan red wine — Choose a medium-bodied Yunnan red wine with fruity and floral notes to enhance the flavors of the dish.
• Star anise — Use whole star anise for a more pronounced flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount to 2 star anise.
• Vanilla bean — Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and add them to the poaching liquid for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of elegance, serve the poached pears with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the amount of sugar or honey in the poaching liquid.
• To enhance the presentation, garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Leftover poaching liquid can be used as a syrup for pancakes or waffles.
• Experiment with different varieties of pears to discover unique flavor combinations.

Serving advice

Serve the Yunnan-style Red Wine Poached Pears as a delightful dessert on their own or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The tender pears and luscious syrup make for an elegant and visually appealing dish.

Presentation advice

Arrange the poached pears on individual dessert plates, drizzle the reduced poaching liquid over them, and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. The vibrant red color of the pears and the glossy syrup will create a visually stunning presentation.