Coq au vin recipe

Coq au Vin Recipe: A Classic French Dish

Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that translates to “rooster in wine”. It’s a flavourful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. The traditional recipe calls for a rooster, but nowadays, chicken is the more popular choice.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 8 ounces bacon, diced
• 2 cups red wine
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bouquet garni (a bundle of herbs such as thyme, bay leaf, and parsley, tied together with string)
• 1 ½ cups chicken stock
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Preparation:

Step 1- Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2- Place a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add in the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the bacon and set aside.

Step 3- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In the same Dutch oven, brown the chicken in the bacon fat until golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 4- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the Dutch oven and sauté until softened, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5- Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the pot and stir continuously for 2 minutes, making sure not to brown the flour. This will thicken the mixture and give the dish a nice consistency.

Step 6- Return the bacon and chicken to the pot and stir. Pour in 2 cups of red wine and 1 ½ cups of chicken stock. Stir in the bouquet garni and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Bring to a simmer.

Step 7- Place the lid on the Dutch oven and transfer it to the oven. Cook for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Check for seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 8- Before serving, stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to add richness and creaminess to the sauce.

Step 9- Serve the Coq au Vin hot with crusty bread or a side of mashed potatoes and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy!

Tips:

– Use a good quality wine for the recipe. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but make sure it’s drinkable.

– If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can use a heavy-bottomed pot or a slow cooker. If using a slow cooker, adjust the cooking time according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

– While the dish tastes great right away, it tastes even better the next day as the flavours have a chance to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

– Feel free to add in additional vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, or potatoes to make the dish heartier.

Coq au Vin is a culinary masterpiece that impresses everyone who tries it. With just a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is perfect for any home cook looking to experiment with some French classics. Enjoy a meal that will transport your taste buds to the picturesque countryside of France!