12 Ways with Port

Port brings fruity sweetness and depth to the kitchen, enriching everything from slow-cooked meat to warm fruit puddings. These 12 recipes explore its versatility, with ideas for comforting suppers and special occasions.

Start with Yvette van Boven’s Beet Soup with Port, Goat Cheese & Seed Crunch Bar, which pairs earthy beetroot with creamy cheese and a crisp topping. For a hearty main, try Braised Short Ribs, simmered with red wine and port, or Clarissa Dickson Wright’s Shepherd’s Pie, where port adds richness beneath buttery mashed potatoes. Gary Rhodes’s Cumberland Sauce combines it with redcurrant jelly, citrus, and mustard for a classic accompaniment to cold meats and pâtés.

For a sweet finish, Mark Hix’s Autumn Berry Pudding is served with berries warmed in a port syrup, ready for a generous spoonful of cream or custard.