Coq au Vin
Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that has become a staple in many homes worldwide. This hearty meal is made with tender chicken that is slowly simmered in a rich and flavorful red wine sauce with bacon and mushrooms. It is traditionally served with mashed potatoes or crusty bread, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
**Ingredients:**
- 1 whole chicken (cut into 8 pieces)
- 4 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 cup red wine (preferably a Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 8-10 pearl onions, peeled
- 8-10 button mushrooms
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh parsley
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
**Instructions:**
1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and bacon over medium heat. Cook until the bacon becomes crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In the same pan, brown the chicken in the bacon fat until it's golden on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir to create a roux. Cook for a few minutes until it takes on a light brown color.
6. Return the chicken and bacon to the pan and add the red wine, chicken broth, thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
8. While the chicken is cooking, heat the butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the pearl onions and mushrooms, sautéing until they become golden.
9. Add the sautéed onions and mushrooms to the Coq au Vin during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
10. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
11. Serve your Coq au Vin hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It's traditionally served with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes.
Coq au Vin is a classic French dish known for its rich and complex flavors. Enjoy this hearty meaty French recipe!