Title: Traditional French Beef Stew (Boeuf Bourguignon)
Introduction
Experience the culinary joy of traditional French cuisine with this classic, heart-warming Boeuf Bourguignon recipe. This delightfully comforting dish combines tender chunks of beef, aromatic herbs, and finely selected wine for an exquisite, flavorful stew your family will love.
Why make this recipe
Embracing the essence of French cuisine, this recipe is perfect for those cozy, intimate dinner nights. Not only does it capture authenticity in every bite, but it also offers an easy way to create a spectacular dish using simple, readily available ingredients.
How to Make Traditional French Beef Stew (Boeuf Bourguignon)
Time Guidelines:
– Prep Time: 30 minutes
– Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
– Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
– Servings: 6
Ingredients:
– 2 ½ lbs (1.1 kg) beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– 8 oz (225 g) bacon, diced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 3 cups red wine (such as Burgundy)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaves, and parsley)
– 18 pearl onions, peeled
– 1 lb (450 g) mushrooms, quartered
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Follow these detailed steps to make heart-warming Boeuf Bourguignon:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Generously season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks, remove, and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the diced bacon and cook until crispy.
4. Add the sliced onion, cooking until softened. Then, stir in the garlic and tomato paste, and cook for one more minute.
5. Sprinkle flour over the onions and cook for an additional minute. Slowly add the wine, stirring to loosen any browned bits at the bottom. Pour in the beef broth, and bring to a simmer.
6. Return the beef and bacon to the pot. Add the bouquet garni, cover, and transfer to the oven. Cook for 2 hours.
7. In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions and mushrooms until golden. Add them to the stew and cook for additional 30 minutes in the oven.
8. Discard the bouquet garni. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to serve Traditional French Beef Stew (Boeuf Bourguignon)
This hearty dish is best served hot, straight from oven to your table. Enjoy it with the warmth of freshly-baked baguette, roast potatoes, or even over cooked pasta. Its versatile flavor complements a wide variety of side dishes.
How to Store Traditional French Beef Stew (Boeuf Bourguignon)
Store the Boeuf Bourguignon in an airtight container. It will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Traditional French Beef Stew (Boeuf Bourguignon)
1. Searing the meat before stewing helps lock in flavor.
2. Choose a dry red wine that you enjoy drinking, for a richer taste of the stew.
3. Sautéing the mushrooms and onions before adding them to the stew enriches their flavor intensity.
Variation
For a variation of Boeuf Bourguignon, consider adding in other root vegetables such as parsnips or turnips. You could also substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use another type of meat instead of beef chuck?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef or oxtail if you’d like to, but beef chuck is traditional and lends itself well to slow cooking.
Q2: Can I use another type of wine?
Yes, you can use any red wine that you like to drink. However, Burgundy wine is traditionally used in this recipe.
Q3: Can I omit the bacon?
Yes, you can omit the bacon, but it does add an extra layer of flavor to the stew.
Enjoy this delightful dish that will surely bring a dash of French sophistication to your dinner table. Bon Appétit!