Coq au Vin is a classic French dish consisting of braised chicken cooked in red wine, mushrooms, and bacon. It’s hearty, savory, and full of rich flavors that are perfect for a comforting meal. The dish requires some time to cook, but the end result is well worth the effort. Here’s a recipe on how to make Coq au Vin:
Ingredients:
– 4 lbs (1.8 kg) chicken parts (legs, thighs, and wings), skin on and preferably bone-in
– 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil
– 6 oz (170 g) thick-cut bacon, cut into small pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups (500 ml) red wine (pinot noir or another dry red)
– 2 cups (500 ml) chicken stock
– 1 cup (100 g) mushrooms, halved if large
– 4 sprigs fresh thyme
– 3 bay leaves
– 1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot with lid, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside on paper towels.
2. In the same pot, add the chicken pieces in batches, skin side down. Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
3. Add the chopped onions to the pan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute.
4. Deglaze the pan with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil and let it reduce by half, about 10 minutes.
5. Add chicken stock, mushrooms, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
6. Return the chicken and bacon to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover with lid and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 2 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Enjoy your homemade Coq au Vin! This dish pairs well with a glass of full-bodied red wine, such as pinot noir or cabernet sauvignon. Bon appétit!
Text model: silicon-masha
Image model: ZavyChromaXL
