5 Easy Red Wine Recipes to Impress Your Dinner Guests

Red wine is a delicious addition to any meal but did you know that it can also be used in recipes to enhance the flavor of your favorite dishes? If you want to impress your dinner guests, try these five easy recipes that are sure to wow them:

1. Red Wine Risotto

This luxurious and creamy risotto recipe gets a boost of flavor from dry red wine. It's perfect as a side dish or as a main course for a special occasion.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 cup of arborio rice
• 1/2 cup of dry red wine
• 4 cups of chicken or vegetable stock
• 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the arborio rice and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned.
3. Pour in the red wine and let it simmer until the liquid is absorbed.
4. Add in the chicken or vegetable stock, one cup at a time, stirring frequently until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed (this should take about 20-25 minutes).
5. Stir in the parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

2. Red Wine Beef Stew

Warm and comforting, this beef stew recipe is perfect for chilly nights. The addition of red wine gives it a rich, savory flavor that will make your guests think you spent all day in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups of beef broth
• 1 cup of dry red wine
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add in the stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the meat and set aside.
4. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes or until softened.
5. Pour in the beef broth and red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to remove any browned bits.
6. Add the meat back into the pot, along with the diced tomatoes and bay leaves.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
9. Serve hot with your favorite side dish.

3. Red Wine Vinaigrette

Brighten up your salads with this easy vinaigrette recipe. The red wine gives it a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh greens.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk together until well blended.
2. Drizzle over your favorite salad greens and enjoy.

4. Red Wine Poached Pears

This elegant dessert is surprisingly easy to make. The red wine poaching liquid gives the pears a deep ruby color and a delicate flavor that is perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe pears
• 1 bottle of red wine
• 1 cup of sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 vanilla bean, split

Instructions:

1. Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact.
2. In a large pot, combine the red wine, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla bean.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Add the pears to the pot and reduce the heat to low.
5. Cover the pot and let the pears simmer for 25-30 minutes or until they are tender.
6. Remove the pears from the pot and let them cool.
7. Continue simmering the poaching liquid for an additional 15-20 minutes or until it has reduced and thickened slightly.
8. Drizzle the poaching liquid over the pears and serve.

5. Red Wine Chocolate Truffles

If you want to impress your guests with a decadent dessert, try making these red wine chocolate truffles. They're rich, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1/4 cup of red wine
• Cocoa powder or powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

1. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped chocolate to a heat-safe mixing bowl.
3. When the heavy cream just comes to a boil, pour it over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the red wine to the mixing bowl and whisk until the mixture is smooth.
5. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for about an hour or until the mixture is firm but still pliable.
6. Roll the mixture into small balls.
7. Coat the truffles in cocoa powder or powdered sugar.
8. Chill for 10-15 minutes or until the coating has set.
9. Enjoy!

With these five easy recipes, you'll be able to impress your dinner guests with your culinary skills. The addition of red wine adds a depth of flavor to each recipe that is sure to please even the most discerning palates. Try one or all of these recipes at your next dinner party, and watch as your guests rave about how delicious everything tastes!