Red wine is one of the most delicious accompaniments to many meals. But, experienced cooks know that red wine can be a delicious part of the food, too. There are many wonderful recipes that use red wine for cooking, too.
Don’t bother purchasing “cooking wines”. If you like the flavor of a wine for drinking, you’ll like it for cooking, too. You’ll find your kitchen much more flexible when you don’t have to buy wine that can only be used for cooking. At the same time, you may not want to pour two cups of $50 Bordeaux into a stew. It’s best to keep a few bottles of moderately priced wines around that can be used for drinking and cooking.
Just like red wine pairs well with meats and stews for drinking, it is best used when cooking these foods, too. Some of the most common ways to use red wine for cooking include:
- Red wine reduction sauce – A red wine reduction sauce is good with many different dishes, but it is especially delicious over steaks that have been pan seared or over a simple roast. You will start with three cups of good red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon is great) seasoned with salt and pepper. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Stir in about a tablespoon of red wine vinegar and 1-½ teaspoons of sugar, along with some herbs, such as rosemary, if you like. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for about 30 minutes, until it has reduced by half and thickened.
- Tomato Sauce – When making sauce for spaghetti, lasagna or any other Italian pasta with red sauce, add about ½ cup of red wine to the sauce and let it simmer.
- Beef stew or roast – Any sort of beef stew can benefit from the addition of red wine. (Think the French classic Beef Bourguignon). Burgundy wine is the classic choice, but any good red will do, so long as it is not too sweet. Allow the beef and vegetables to simmer in the wine for a few hours to concentrate the flavors.
These three uses for red wine are the most classic. The concepts can be used over and over again, with your own unique influences.
As you learn your favorite red wines and develop your cooking techniques, you’re certain to find many other uses for red wine in your kitchen. You’ll find that delightful salad dressings, marinades and even jellies can be made from your favorite red wines. In no time, you’ll be keeping lots of red wine on hand for drinking – and for cooking.
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