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!