Coq au Vin is a decadent French dish that features red wine-infused chicken stew. Originally made with rooster, it now uses chicken for convenience. The warm and comforting dish is perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. The recipe includes marinating chicken in wine, cooking bacon, browning chicken, sautéing vegetables, deglazing with red wine, and simmering the dish. The result is a flavorful and satisfying meal that pairs well with crusty bread or mashed potatoes. Indulge in the rich flavors of Coq au Vin and treat yourself to a timeless classic that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for comfort food. Bon appétit!
Indulge in the Decadence of French Coq au Vin: A Timeless Classic
About Coq au Vin
Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that showcases the rich and complex flavors of red wine-infused chicken stew. Traditionally made with a rooster or cockerel, this dish has evolved over the years to use more readily available chicken. Coq au Vin is a warm, comforting dish that is perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 8 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of red wine
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Pour 1 cup of red wine over the chicken and let it marinate for at least 1 hour.
2. Cook the Bacon
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
3. Brown the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. In the same pot with the bacon fat, brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Deglaze the Pot
Pour the remaining cup of red wine into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Add the Chicken and Bacon
Return the chicken and bacon to the pot. Add the chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, and any remaining marinade from the chicken. Bring to a simmer.
7. Simmer and Serve
Cover the pot and let the Coq au Vin simmer on low heat for 1-2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Conclusion
Indulge in the decadence of French Coq au Vin with this timeless classic recipe. With rich flavors of red wine, tender chicken, and savory bacon, this dish is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for comfort food. Bon appétit!