Peras al vino is a classic, elegant dessert found in Argentine pastry-making with its own identity, prepared with Malbec, the country’s emblematic grape variety.
It combines the sweet, delicate flavor of pears with the aroma and intensity of red wine, and is a staple on the menus of traditional restaurants.
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Argentine Malbec Poached Pears
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Argentine
Ingredients
- 6 of pears, firm
- 750 ml of Malbec wine (one standard bottle)
- 200 g of sugar (about 7 oz)
- 1 of cinnamon stick
- 3 of whole cloves (optional)
- 1 strip of orange peel (optional)
Instructions
- Peel the pears, peel them completely, leaving the stem intact, and trim the base so they can stand upright.
- Make the wine syrup, in a pot, bring the wine to a boil together with the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel.
- Cook the pears, once boiling, add the pears and turn them so they absorb the color and flavor of the syrup.
- Cook over low heat, simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, until tender but not falling apart.
- Remove and reduce, remove the pears and set aside. Keep reducing the liquid over medium heat until you get a thicker syrup.
- Serve, arrange the pears on a plate and drizzle with the reduced wine syrup.
Tips for getting it right
- Choose firm pears so they hold their shape during cooking.
- Turning the pears occasionally helps them take on an even color.
- Reducing the syrup after removing the pears concentrates the flavor and gives it a silkier texture.
- They can be served warm or cold, and pair very well with vanilla ice cream.
Traditional variations
- Some recipes add a spoonful of honey to the syrup for extra sweetness.
- They’re also made with generic red wine instead of Malbec, though this variety is preferred in Argentina.
How to serve
Peras al vino are served warm or cold, drizzled with their syrup, as a dessert.
They’re a classic on Argentine restaurant menus and at elegant family dinners.
Recommended sides
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
Did you know?
In Argentina, peras al vino are traditionally made with Malbec, the grape variety that became a symbol of the country’s winemaking.
This dessert appears in several countries around the world, but each region gives it its own stamp with the type of wine and spices used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Malbec is the emblematic grape variety of Argentine winemaking, and its body and intensity pair very well with the sweetness of pears.
Firm pears are recommended, so they hold their shape during the 30 minutes of cooking without falling apart.
Reducing the liquid concentrates the flavor of the wine and spices, resulting in a thicker, more intense syrup to drizzle over the pears.
Yes, peras al vino can be made hours in advance and kept in the fridge, served cold or warmed slightly before serving.
