Classic Greek Red Wine Poached Pears

HealthyRecipes
Servings: 4 Total Time: 45 mins Difficulty: Beginner
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Elegant Spiced Pears Simmered in Robust Greek Wine – Naturally Sweetened & Gluten-Free!

Classic Greek Red Wine Poached Pears

Discover Greece's most sophisticated dessert that's deceptively simple to make! These wine-poached pears transform humble fruit into velvet-soft delicacies, infused with cinnamon, cloves, and the rich depth of Greek red wine. Naturally low-fat and packed with fiber, this stunning dessert balances indulgence with wellness.

Serve warm with yogurt or chilled for an elegant finish to Mediterranean feasts. Perfect for impressing guests without hours in the kitchen!

Recommended Occasions: Dinner parties, Holiday desserts, Romantic meals, Healthy meal prep (keeps 5 days).

Author: HealthyRecipes Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses: , Recipe Keys: C Contains Alcohol Gluten Free Nut Free
Poached Pears in Greek Red Wine1
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Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 35 mins Total Time 45 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4 Calories: 220 kcal Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Fruit:

Poaching Liquid:

Serving & Garnish:

Optional Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Prep pears:

    Peel pears, leaving stems. Brush with lemon juice to prevent browning.

  2. Simmer liquid:

    In a deep saucepan, combine wine, honey, cinnamon, cloves, orange zest, and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer (85°C/185°F) over medium heat.

  3. Poach pears:

    Carefully add pears. Cover with a parchment paper round (cartouche). Simmer 30-35 mins at 75-80°C (170-175°F), turning occasionally, until tender when pierced.

  4. Reduce syrup:

    Remove pears. Boil liquid 10-12 mins until syrupy (coats spoon). Discard spices.

  5. Chill:

    Cool pears in syrup 1 hour minimum (flavor intensifies when chilled).

  6. Serve:

    Drizzle with syrup, garnish with mint. Serve with yogurt if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 220kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.3g1%
Sodium 8mg1%
Potassium 210mg6%
Total Carbohydrate 48g16%
Dietary Fiber 6g24%
Sugars 38g
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 50 mcg
Vitamin C 10 mg
Calcium 35 mg
Iron 0.9 mg
Folate 20 mcg
Iodine 5 mcg
Magnesium 20 mg
Zinc 0.3 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

  • Wine alternative: Use dry red wine + 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar for depth
  • Spice variations: Add 1 star anise or ½ vanilla pod
  • Less sweet: Reduce honey to ⅓ cup, Diabetic-Friendly (reduce honey to ¼ cup, use extra cinnamon)
  • Presentation: Core pears from bottom for neat stuffing (e.g., with walnuts)
  • Contains Alcohol (evaporates partially; see FAQ), Alcohol-free Option: Substitute 750ml pomegranate juice + 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Vegan (use maple syrup)
Keywords: Greek wine poached pears, healthy Mediterranean dessert, easy poached pears, vegan Greek dessert, diabetic-friendly dessert, gluten-free fruit recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I use white wine?

Yes! Substitute dry white wine (e.g., Assyrtiko) + 1 extra tbsp lemon juice.

How to reduce sugar for diabetics?

Use ¼ cup honey + extra cinnamon/cloves. Pears’ fiber helps balance glucose.

Does alcohol cook out completely?

85% evaporates. For alcohol-free, use pomegranate juice (see Notes).

Best pears for poaching?

Firm varieties: Bosc (holds shape best), Anjou, or Conference. Avoid overly ripe pears.

Make-ahead tips?

Flavor improves after 24h! Store pears in syrup up to 5 days refrigerated.

Can I freeze poached pears?

Not recommended – texture becomes mushy. Syrup freezes well for 2 months.

Serving suggestions beyond yogurt?

  • With almond cream (keto)

  • Over oatmeal (breakfast)

  • Paired with dark chocolate shavings