Classic Beef Bourguignon: French Elegance

Ingredients

• 1 kilogram of beef chuck, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 6 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 bottle of red wine
• 2 cups of beef broth
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 8-10 small pearl onions
• 250 grams of mushrooms
• 3 tablespoons of flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 150 degrees Celsius.
Step 2: In a large pot, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same pot, sear the beef on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Saute onions and garlic in the pot until transparent, then sprinkle in flour and stir until it forms a paste.
Step 5: Slowly pour in the wine while stirring, followed by the beef broth.
Step 6: Return the cooked bacon and beef to the pot. Add the carrots, pearl onions and mushrooms.
Step 7: Bring the stew to a simmer, then transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Step 8: Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve with baguette or mashed potatoes.

Equipment and Tools

• Oven
• Large Pot

Preparation

Ensure all your ingredients are properly prepared and portioned before you start cooking. This includes dicing your bacon and beef, chopping your vegetables and measuring out your wine and broth.

Cooking Process

Cook the diced bacon until crispy, then sear the beef chunks until they’re browned. Saute your onions and garlic, then add flour to create a thickening paste. Deglaze your pot with wine, add beef broth, return your cooked bacon and beef, and then add your vegetables. Simmer your mixture, then transfer the pot to the oven to cook for approximately 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Tips and Tricks

Cooking the beef slowly will result in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
A good red wine will add depth to the flavor of the stew. You could use a Burgundy, Pinot Noir or a Cabernet Sauvignon.
Don’t worry about using a whole bottle of wine – the alcohol will evaporate as it cooks.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 600
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 50g

Introduction:

Classic Beef Bourguignon is a hearty, warming, and delicious meal that exudes the elegant simplicity of French cuisine. This iconic French stew features tender chunks of beef slow-cooked in a rich, savory gravy made with red wine, onions, carrots, and mushrooms. The result is an aromatic dish with an unforgettably rich, deep flavor.

Equipment:

Large Dutch oven or any large oven-safe pot
Sharp Knife
Chopping Board

Serving Suggestions:

This stew pairs perfectly with a fresh baguette or garlic mashed potatoes. These sides are great for soaking up the delicious sauce. A glass of your leftover red wine and a salad make it a complete French meal.

Flavor Profile:

With its rich red wine sauce, the bourguignon is a flavorful blend of savory and slightly sweet, with a deep, satisfying meatiness from the slow-cooked beef. The vegetables and herbs enhance these flavors, adding a wholesome depth to the overall profile.

Conclusion:

The Classic Beef Bourguignon is truly a dish that represents the heart and soul of French comfort food. Its sophisticated flavors, tangy wine aroma, and heart-warming depth make it a perfect meal for a cozy winter night. Once you try it, you will understand why this humble stew is celebrated around the globe. Bon Appetit!