Coq au Vin

coq_au_vin

French cuisine is famous all over the world for its rich flavors, sophisticated techniques and elegant presentation. One of the most famous and beloved dishes of French cuisine is Coq au Vin, a hearty and flavorful dish made with chicken, red wine, vegetables and herbs.

The origins of Coq au Vin can be traced back to the region of Burgundy, in Eastern France, where wine is produced and consumed in large quantities. In the past, when farmers and villagers would slaughter a rooster, they would often cook it in wine, herbs and vegetables to make it more tender and flavorful. This tradition soon became a popular dish in Burgundy and spread all over France.

The name Coq au Vin literally means “rooster in wine” and refers to the main ingredients of the dish. However, nowadays it is more common to use chicken instead of rooster, as chicken is more widely available and easier to prepare.

The key to a successful Coq au Vin is to use a good quality red wine, preferably from the Burgundy region, and to cook the dish slowly, allowing the meat to absorb all the flavors of the wine and herbs. The dish is often served with crusty bread or boiled potatoes, and pairs well with a glass of red wine.

To prepare Coq au Vin, you will need a few basic ingredients such as chicken, bacon, onions, garlic, carrots, mushrooms, tomato paste, red wine, chicken broth and herbs such as thyme, bay leaves and parsley.

The first step is to brown the chicken and bacon in a large Dutch oven or casserole dish, and then remove them from the pan. Next, sauté the onions, garlic, carrots and mushrooms in the same pan until they are soft and fragrant. Add the tomato paste and herbs and stir well, then pour in the red wine and chicken broth. Return the chicken and bacon to the pan, cover with a lid and let simmer for about an hour, until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.

Coq au Vin is a dish that is perfect for entertaining or for a cozy family dinner. It is a classic French dish that is sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors and elegant presentation. So, pour a glass of red wine, light some candles and enjoy a delicious and hearty meal that will transport you to the rolling hills of Burgundy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
  • 6 slices of bacon
  • 2 cups of red wine
  • 2 cups of chicken stock
  • 1 cup of pearl onions
  • 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tbsp of tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp of flour
  • 2 tbsp of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

  2. Add the bacon to the pot and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside.

  3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add it to the pot. Cook until browned on all sides.

  4. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

  5. Add the garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute.

  6. Stir in the flour and tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

  7. Slowly add the red wine and chicken stock to the pot, stirring constantly.

  8. Add the bay leaves and return the chicken and bacon to the pot.

  9. Add the pearl onions and mushrooms to the pot.

  10. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.

  11. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

  12. Remove the bay leaves from the pot and discard them.

  13. Serve the Coq au Vin with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes. Enjoy!