Pears in Red Wine

Pears in red wine are a classic Italian dessert that combines the sweetness of fruit with the character and aromas of wine. Here is the recipe to prepare delicious pears in red wine.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe but still firm pears
• 750 ml of good quality red wine
• 200 g of sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 vanilla pod or a teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Lemon or orange zest (untreated)
• Cloves (optional)

Preparation

1. Peel the pears leaving the stalk attached. If you prefer, you can also cut a small portion from the base so they can stand upright when served.

2. Choose a saucepan large enough to contain the pears and pour in the red wine.

3. Add the sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon or orange zest. If you like, you can also add some cloves for a spicier aroma.

4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved.

5. Now, add the pears to the pot. The pears should be covered by the red wine; if necessary, add a little more wine or water.

6. Let the pears cook for about 25-30 minutes or until they are tender but still holding their shape.

7. Once cooked, remove the pears from the liquid and set them aside.

8. Continue to reduce the wine in the pot on medium-high heat until it assumes a syrupy consistency.

9. Serve the pears warm or cold, drizzled with the reduced red wine syrup.

Curiosity

This dish has ancient origins and is believed to have been created to preserve fruit beyond the season due to the presence of alcohol. In Italy, it is appreciated not only as a dessert but also as an end to a meal, perhaps accompanied by a glass of wine of the same type used for cooking.