Coq au Vin: Classic French dish with tender chicken braised in red wine, veggies, mushrooms, and bacon. Rich, flavorful, and comforting!
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| To prepare the classic French dish "Coq au Vin" (French Chicken in Wine Sauce) |
To prepare the classic French dish "Coq au Vin" (French Chicken in Wine Sauce).
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (or you can use chicken thighs and drumsticks)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup button mushrooms, quartered
- 2 cups red wine (traditionally Burgundy, but any dry red wine will work)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bouquet garni (a bundle of fresh thyme, parsley, and a bay leaf tied together with kitchen twine)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shallow dish, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in batches and brown them on all sides. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside with the chicken.
- Lower the heat to medium and in the remaining bacon fat and oil, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Add the quartered mushrooms to the pot and cook until they are tender.
- Return the chicken and bacon to the pot with the onions and mushrooms.
- Pour in the red wine and chicken broth, and add the tomato paste and bouquet garni. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and let it cook over low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and place it on a serving platter.
- Increase the heat and let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Remove the bouquet garni and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the wine sauce over the chicken on the serving platter.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Coq au Vin is traditionally served with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles. Enjoy this delicious French classic!
Conclusion :
- In conclusion, Coq au Vin is a timeless classic that brings the rich and comforting flavors of French cuisine to your table. With tender chicken braised in red wine, alongside savory bacon, vegetables, and mushrooms, this dish offers a delightful taste experience. The bouquet garni infuses the sauce with aromatic herbs, making it even more enticing.
- Preparing Coq au Vin may take some time and effort, but the end result is well worth it. The tender, succulent chicken, immersed in the flavorful wine sauce, creates a symphony of taste that will leave you wanting more. Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and added freshness.
- To truly appreciate the essence of Coq au Vin, serve it with crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles. The combination of textures and flavors will undoubtedly satisfy your palate and transport you to the heart of France.
- So, whether you're looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply craving a hearty and comforting meal, Coq au Vin is a perfect choice. Indulge in the magic of French cuisine and savor every delightful bite of this exquisite dish. Bon appétit!