5 Delicious and Healthy Red Wine Infused Recipes to Try at Home
Cooking with red wine is a great way to add depth and complexity to your dishes. But it's not just about the flavor - red wine is also a healthy ingredient, as it's rich in antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients. In this post, we'll share 5 delicious and healthy red wine-infused recipes that you can easily recreate at home.
1. Red Wine Poached Pears
This elegant dessert is simple to make and perfect for any occasion. To start, peel and core 4 ripe pears, then place them in a pot with 2 cups of red wine, 1/2 cup honey, 1 cinnamon stick, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook until the pears are tender (about 20 minutes). Serve the pears in bowls with a drizzle of the poaching liquid.
2. Red Wine Braised Chicken
This hearty main course is perfect for a cozy night in. Brown 4 chicken thighs in a pot, then remove them and set them aside. Add 1 chopped onion, 4 chopped carrots, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot and cook until softened. Pour in 2 cups of red wine and 1 cup of chicken broth, then add the chicken back in. Cover the pot and cook until the chicken is tender (about 45 minutes). Serve over rice or roasted vegetables.
3. Red Wine Tomato Sauce
This rich and flavorful tomato sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping bread. In a pot, sauté 1 chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves in olive oil until softened. Add a can of crushed tomatoes, 2 cups of red wine, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Red Wine Beef Stew
This classic comfort dish is elevated with the addition of red wine. In a large pot, brown 2 pounds of cubed beef in olive oil, then remove and set aside. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened. Pour in 2 cups of red wine and 4 cups of beef broth, then add the beef back in. Add 2 bay leaves and a pinch of thyme, then cover the pot and simmer for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender.
5. Red Wine Chocolate Cake
Who said red wine couldn't be used in desserts? This decadent chocolate cake is sure to impress. In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 1 cup of red wine, and 1/2 cup of olive oil. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together, then pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes at 350°F, then let cool before serving.
In conclusion, there are many ways to incorporate red wine into your cooking, from savory stews to sweet desserts. These 5 recipes are a great place to start, so grab a bottle of your favorite red wine and start cooking!
