As the mercury drops and the nights grow cooler, our thoughts turn to hearty, comforting dishes that warm the soul. And what better way to do so than with a glass (or two) of rich, full-bodied red wine? This autumnal staple is more than just a drink – it’s an ingredient that can elevate even the simplest recipes into something truly special.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 18 decadent dishes that showcase the versatility and indulgence of red wine. From classic braised short ribs to innovative chocolate cakes, each recipe features red wine as a key player, adding depth, complexity, and a hint of sophistication to every bite.
Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
Short ribs are transformed by a slow-cooked red wine sauce into tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness. Perfect for a special occasion or cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in short ribs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return the short ribs to the pot, cover, and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Coq au Vin with Red Wine
Classic Coq au Vin with Red Wine Recipe
Coq au Vin is a quintessential French dish that combines the rich flavors of chicken, mushrooms, and red wine to create a hearty and comforting meal. This recipe brings together tender chicken, succulent vegetables, and a flavorful broth infused with the bold taste of red wine.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
• 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on all sides, then set aside.
3. Add more oil if needed, then sauté the onion until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
5. Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer.
6. Add chicken broth, tomato paste, and thyme. Stir to combine.
7. Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and transfer to the oven. Braise at 300°F (150°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Red Wine Mushroom Risotto
A rich and savory Italian-inspired dish that combines Arborio rice with the deep flavors of red wine and sautéed mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/2 cup dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the chicken broth in a separate pot.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion; cook until translucent, 3-4 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms; cook until tender, 5-6 minutes.
4. Add Arborio rice; cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Add red wine; cook until absorbed, stirring occasionally.
6. Gradually add warmed broth, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
7. Stir in butter and season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Red Wine Chocolate Cake
Elevate your chocolate cake game with this indulgent recipe that combines the deep flavors of red wine and dark chocolate. Perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 ounces good-quality dark chocolate, chopped
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Melt chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
4. Whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
5. Combine dry ingredients, melted chocolate, and wet ingredients in a large bowl. Stir until just combined.
6. Fold in red wine.
7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Beef Bourguignon with Red Wine
A classic French dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. This rich and flavorful stew simmers beef short ribs in red wine, stock, and aromatics to create a tender and mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef short ribs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (Bordeaux or Merlot work well)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 bay leaves
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the short ribs, then remove and set aside.
3. Add onion, garlic, carrot, celery, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until vegetables are softened.
4. Add red wine, broth, and browned beef back to pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to preheated oven.
5. Simmer for 2-1/2 hours or until meat is tender.
6. Remove bay leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Red Wine Poached Pears
Impress your friends with this elegant dessert that combines the natural sweetness of pears with the bold flavors of red wine. This recipe is perfect for a dinner party or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou)
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact.
3. In a large saucepan, combine red wine, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the peeled pears to the poaching liquid, making sure they are fully submerged.
5. Cover the saucepan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Remove from oven and let cool in the liquid before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Red Wine Spaghetti Bolognese
This rich and flavorful spaghetti bolognese recipe is a twist on the classic, featuring the added depth of red wine. The result is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 500g minced beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, finely chopped
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 250g spaghetti
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the onion, garlic, and carrot; cook until the vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red wine, beef broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer the sauce for 20-25 minutes or until thickened.
6. Serve the spaghetti with the bolognese sauce and top with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Red Wine Marinated Steak
Elevate your steak game with this simple yet impressive recipe that lets the rich flavors of red wine take center stage. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 pounds flank steak
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large zip-top bag, combine red wine, olive oil, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
3. Add the steak, seal the bag, and massage to coat evenly.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
6. Remove steak from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
7. Cook steak to desired level of doneness (8-12 minutes per side for medium-rare).
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Red Wine Onion Soup
This hearty soup combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the depth of red wine, perfect for a cozy evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are dark golden brown and caramelized (about 30-40 minutes).
3. Add the red wine, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Stir in the butter until melted.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Red Wine Cherry Compote
This sweet and tangy compote is perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream, or using as a sauce for pork, chicken, or game meats. With the deep flavors of red wine and cherries, this compote is sure to elevate any dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and red wine.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries are tender and the liquid has thickened slightly.
4. Stir in the water and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving or storing.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Red Wine Glazed Lamb Chops
A classic combination of rich flavors, these lamb chops are perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. A sweet and tangy red wine glaze elevates the natural taste of the lamb to new heights.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb chops
– 1/2 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh rosemary leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together red wine, honey, olive oil, garlic, and Dijon mustard.
3. Season lamb chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Place lamb chops in a shallow baking dish and brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the meat.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lamb reaches desired doneness (medium-rare recommended).
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, garnished with rosemary leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Red Wine Tomato Sauce
Elevate your pasta dishes with this rich and flavorful red wine tomato sauce, perfect for a cozy night in or as a base for pizza toppings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1/4 cup of red wine
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in the red wine and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Reduce heat to low and let sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Red Wine Beef Stew
This rich and flavorful stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Tender chunks of beef simmered in a bold red wine broth, accompanied by aromatic vegetables and savory herbs.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck or brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes, then remove from pot.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Add red wine, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Return beef to pot, cover, and transfer to oven. Simmer at 300°F for 2-1/2 hours or until beef is tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 3 hours (including browning time)
Red Wine Sangria
This classic Spanish drink is perfect for warm weather gatherings or cozying up with friends on a chilly evening. A refreshing blend of red wine, fruits, and spices, this sangria is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle (750ml) of red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 1 orange, sliced
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1 lime, sliced
– 1 apple, cored and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup Triple Sec or other orange-flavored liqueur
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the sliced fruit.
2. Add the sugar, Triple Sec, and cinnamon. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Pour in the red wine, stirring gently to combine.
4. Chill the sangria in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve the sangria over ice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None
Red Wine Garlic Shrimp
Elevate your dinner game with this simple yet impressive recipe for Red Wine Garlic Shrimp. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Pour in the red wine and stir to combine.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Red Wine Fig Jam
This sweet and savory jam is perfect for topping toast, using as a glaze for meats or cheeses, or as a filling for cakes and pastries. The combination of figs, red wine, and spices creates a rich and complex flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or dried figs, chopped
– 1/2 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine chopped figs, red wine, sugar, honey, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the jam has thickened and reduced slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Red Wine Caramelized Onion Tart
A sweet and savory tart that combines the depth of red wine with the natural sweetness of caramelized onions, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a large skillet, cook onions over medium-low heat in olive oil until caramelized and dark brown, stirring occasionally (about 30 minutes).
4. Add red wine, sugar, salt, and pepper to the skillet; stir to combine.
5. Roll out pastry to fit a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
6. Arrange onion mixture on pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
7. Fold edges of pastry up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
8. Brush top of pastry with a little water and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Red Wine Infused Dark Chocolate Truffles
Elevate your truffle game with this sophisticated recipe that combines the deep flavors of dark chocolate and red wine. Perfect for a special occasion or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) high-quality dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1/4 cup (60ml) red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons (30g) confectioners’ sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine red wine and dark chocolate chips. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth.
2. Remove from heat and stir in butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
3. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
4. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form the truffle mixture into bite-sized balls. Roll each ball between your hands to shape.
5. Place the truffles on parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None (assembling time only)
Summary
Indulge your senses with these 18 decadent recipes that showcase the rich elegance of red wine. From hearty dishes like Red Wine Braised Short Ribs and Beef Bourguignon, to sweet treats like Red Wine Chocolate Cake and Red Wine Fig Jam, these recipes are sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, these recipes will guide you in incorporating the deep flavors of red wine into your cooking. So go ahead, get cozy, and let the sophistication of red wine elevate your dining experience.
