Coq au Vin with Mushrooms and Wines Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg (3 lbs) chicken pieces, bone-in and skin-on
- 200g (1 cup) pearl onions or small shallots, peeled
- 200g (2 cups) button mushrooms, halved if large
- 120g (8 strips) bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 360ml (1.5 cups) red wine (preferably Burgundy)
- 240ml (1 cup) chicken stock
- 120ml (1/2 cup) brandy or Cognac
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 5g (1 tsp) dried thyme
- 10g (2 tbsp) all-purpose flour
- 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Cooking Time:
Total estimated time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Set aside. Peel pearl onions, halve mushrooms, and mince garlic.
Step 2: Searing the Chicken
Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside. Sear chicken in bacon fat until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add butter. Sauté pearl onions, mushrooms, and garlic until onions are translucent and mushrooms are soft.
Step 4: Deglazing the Pot
Return bacon to the pot. Stir in tomato paste and flour. Pour in brandy, then wine. Deglaze the pot.
Step 5: Simmering
Add chicken stock, bay leaf, and thyme. Return chicken to the pot. Simmer covered for 90 minutes until chicken is tender. Stir occasionally.
Step 6: Final Adjustments
Remove lid and let sauce reduce for 10-15 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Adjust seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Coq au Vin over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles, garnished with parsley. Enjoy with a glass of the same wine used in the recipe.
Conclusion: Coq au Vin with Mushrooms and Wines celebrates French culinary traditions. Its luxurious textures and flavors create a comforting dish. Whether for a special occasion or a delightful dinner, this recipe embodies authentic French opulence. Enjoy its timeless charm and savor every bite.
