Coq au Vin (French Chicken Stew) with Red Wine, Mushrooms, and Pearl Onions

Introduction:

Transport yourself to the charming French countryside with this classic Coq au Vin, a rich and comforting chicken stew. This dish features tender chicken pieces braised in red wine, along with savory mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and sweet pearl onions. With its robust flavors and heartwarming appeal, Coq au Vin is a timeless French dish that will satisfy your cravings for rustic and indulgent cuisine.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken legs (or a combination of chicken thighs and drumsticks)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 8 ounces mushrooms, quartered
• 8-10 pearl onions, peeled
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups red wine (such as Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken legs with salt and black pepper.
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the chicken legs to the pot and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the mushrooms and pearl onions to the pot and cook until they start to brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and onions, stirring well to coat evenly. Cook for a minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
6. Slowly pour in the red wine, stirring constantly to deglaze the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
7. Stir in the chicken broth and tomato paste until well combined. Return the chicken legs and crispy bacon to the pot.
8. Add the fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
9. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer gently for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
10. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
11. Serve the Coq au Vin hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. It pairs well with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.

Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Coq au Vin, with its succulent chicken, earthy mushrooms, and delightful pearl onions. The slow simmering in red wine creates a rich and aromatic sauce that envelops the tender chicken pieces. Indulge in the comforting flavors of French cuisine and savor each spoonful of this classic dish.