Coq au Vin, a beloved French dish, embodies the heart and soul of country cooking in France. This classic recipe transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of deep flavors and tender textures, with chicken slowly braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and bacon. It’s a dish that warms the heart and beckons you to linger at the dinner table just a little longer.
Coq au Vin Recipe:
Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 2 hours Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds chicken thighs and legs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 ounces bacon, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 pound small mushrooms, quartered
- 1 cup pearl onions, peeled
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour to coat lightly.
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Increase heat to medium-high, add olive oil if needed, and brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- In the same pot, add the sliced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Add chicken stock, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, mushrooms, pearl onions, and reserved bacon. Stir well.
- Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the bay leaf, and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serve your Coq au Vin with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a slice of crusty French bread to soak up the luscious sauce. Each bite is a tribute to the rustic and robust flavors of the French countryside. It’s a perfect dish for a cozy night in, a Sunday dinner, or a special occasion that calls for a touch of culinary elegance. Bon appétit!
Enjoy this timeless French classic, and may it bring a touch of rustic elegance to your table!