Boeuf bourguignon

Boeuf Bourguignon is a classic French stew made with beef, red wine, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for colder weather. Here’s a recipe to help you make Boeuf Bourguignon at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into chunks
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups red wine (preferably Burgundy)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound small potatoes, halved
• 1 cup pearl onions, peeled
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. 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.
2. Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper, and dust it with flour, shaking off any excess. Heat the olive oil in the same pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef to the pot in batches, searing it on all sides until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme leaves, bay leaves, and the cooked bacon. Stir to combine.
5. Return the browned beef to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
6. About 30 minutes before the beef is done, add the halved potatoes and pearl onions to the pot. Continue cooking until the potatoes and onions are cooked through and tender.
7. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves from the pot.
8. Serve the Boeuf Bourguignon hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. It pairs well with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.

Boeuf Bourguignon is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for special occasions or when you want to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal. The slow cooking process helps tenderize the beef and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.