Coq au Vin is a traditional French dish that is perfect for fall and winter. The dish is a savory stew made with chicken, bacon, onions, garlic, red wine, chicken broth, herbs, and vegetables. The recipe provides a step-by-step guide on how to prepare Coq au Vin, including browning the bacon and chicken, sautéing the onions and garlic, adding wine and broth, and slow cooking until the chicken is tender. The recipe also includes making a roux for the sauce and garnishing with parsley. Coq au Vin is a sophisticated and comforting dish that will impress dinner party guests or provide a cozy family meal.

French Coq au Vin: A Savory Stew of Chicken and Red Wine

Introduction

Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that translates to “rooster in wine.” Traditionally made with an older rooster, nowadays, it is made with chicken. This savory stew is a perfect dish to serve, especially during fall and winter. It is hearty, comforting, and deeply flavorful. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing French Coq au Vin, complete with a recipe.

Ingredients

• 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups of red wine (such as Burgundy, Pinot Noir, or Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 1 ½ cups of chicken broth
• 2 tbsp of tomato paste
• 1 tbsp of all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp of unsalted butter
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp of fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tsp of fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup of button mushrooms, quartered
• 1 cup of pearl onions, peeled
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the bacon and chicken

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. In the same pot with bacon fat, brown the chicken on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the onions and garlic

1. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the wine, broth, herbs, and tomato paste

1. Pour in the red wine and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pot. This will add depth and richness to the sauce.
2. Add the tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, and chopped bacon to the pot.
3. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Add the chicken back to the pot

1. Place the browned chicken thighs back into the pot, skin side up.

Step 5: Slowly simmer for 40 minutes to an hour

1. Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the dish to simmer slowly for 40 minutes to an hour. Stir occasionally.
2. After an hour, check the chicken for doneness. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check. If it isn’t cooked yet, continue cooking and checking every 10-15 minutes until done.

Step 6: Add the mushrooms and onions

1. Once the chicken is cooked, add the quartered mushrooms and peeled pearl onions into the pot. Stir to combine and cover the pot again.
2. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the mushrooms and onions are tender.

Step 7: Make the roux

1. Melt one tablespoon of unsalted butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat.
2. Once melted, add one tablespoon of all-purpose flour, and stir to combine until the mixture forms a smooth paste. This is your roux.
3. Slowly add a cup of the sauce from the Coq au Vin pot to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes, or until it thickens to a gravy consistency.

Step 8: Serve and garnish

1. Discard the bay leaves from the Coq au Vin pot.
2. Spoon the chicken and the sauce into serving bowls, and drizzle a spoonful of the roux over the top.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Conclusion

Coq au Vin is a sophisticated and comforting dish that will impress your family or guests. Now you have the step-by-step guide for making this savory stew at home. With the tender chicken thighs, red wine sauce, and flavorful vegetables, it will be a memorable meal that everyone will love. So, why not add Coq au Vin to the menu for your next dinner party or cozy family night in?