3 Food and Wine Pairing Ideas for Every Occasion

Great wine and delicious food can elevate any gathering and set the mood for a fun time with loved ones. When deciding what to eat with your wine, it’s best to keep in mind the mood you want to create.

There are several variables to think about and a wide range of wines to choose from. It’s not super difficult, but it does require time and effort to choose the right wine to complement your meal.

A lot of thought and consideration goes into matching wines with foods. Fortunately, several rules of thumb can be used as pointers while looking for a compatible pair. Wine and food pairings are intended to highlight the inherent qualities of both the wine and the dishes.

Here are three ideas to try out the next time you’re assigned for making lunch or dinner.

Pasta Primavera and Pinot Grigio

When paired with items that aren’t as heavy, like fried calamari, a light salad, or fish tacos, Pinot Grigio shines. However, the pasta primavera is the finest complement to this dish. The dish is simple to make yet tastes amazing. Having it with a nice Pinot Grigio elevates the flavor to new heights.

You’ll need cooked spaghetti, milk, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, pepper, and fresh broccoli florets to make this recipe. For instance, if you’re looking for a high-quality and authentically Italian pasta and sauce brand, Let’s Pasta provides several excellent options for this recipe. What’s even better is there are no artificial additives in any of the products.

Once you obtain all the ingredients it’s time to start cooking. First, assemble everything except the pasta in a big skillet and cook it uncovered over medium heat. Stir in the spaghetti and cook it all the way through after 12 minutes, when the veggies should be soft. Put everything in a bowl and stir until combined. Put some Pinot Grigio in there and it’ll be even better.

Thai Shrimp Soup with Riesling

The wine Riesling pairs well with many different dishes. Foods like shellfish and poultry really taste differently when paired with this wine. Riesling also goes well with Thai shrimp soup.

All you need is some olive oil, chopped onions, low-sodium chicken broth, water, brown sugar, minced fresh ginger root, soy sauce or fish sauce, red curry paste, a lemongrass stalk, and peeled and deveined jumbo raw shrimp to make this mouthwatering meal. In addition, you’ll need a few extra ingredients including frozen shelled edamame, light coconut milk, baby corn sliced in half, bamboo shoots, fresh julienned basil leaves, fresh chopped cilantro, and lime juice.

Begin by sautéing the onion in a Dutch oven. Then put in the ginger, curry paste, fish sauce, lemongrass, and brown sugar that you’ve dissolved in water. Turn down the heat when the liquid begins to boil. Blend in the prawns and the edamame. Warm up the oven to 400 degrees and cook the shrimp for 5-6 minutes, or until they become pink.

While you’re cooking it, leave the lid off. Add the rest of the ingredients when the shrimp become pink. Finish cooking, then toss the lemongrass. Lastly, pour yourself a glass of Riesling and settle down for a delicious and fascinating meal.

Pumpkin Ravioli with Chardonnay Cream Sauce

Pairing a full-bodied, oak-aged Chardonnay with a hearty meal enhances the pleasure of both. Butternut squash ravioli is one of the most decadent side dishes to serve with it. These two are so compatible that it’s almost like they were meant to be together.

In addition to frozen butternut squash ravioli or chilled cheese ravioli, you’ll need chopped pecans or walnuts, butter, brown sugar, salt, powdered nutmeg, cayenne pepper, heavy whipping cream, minced fresh sage, and shredded parmesan cheese.

Before anything else, prepare the ravioli according to the package’s instructions. Next, roast pecans over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes in a large, dry pan. Mix it up every so often. Melt the butter in the saucepan. Mix in the nutmeg, salt, and cayenne pepper with the brown sugar.

Once the pot is taken off the heat, the cream and sage may be added. After the ravioli has had the excess liquid drained out, add it to the skillet. After giving it a quick toss, finish it off with some grated cheese. Lastly, offer your guests this mouthwatering meal with a glass of ice-cold Chardonnay.

Final Thoughts

We’ve rounded up the best, most delicious, and most amazing recipes to add extra flavor to your special day. These combinations are guaranteed not only to have your guests raving about them but also to take the stress out of hosting because they are simple to prepare. Just make sure you pair the right wine with the right recipes.