Beef Stew: Rich & Hearty French Classic

Boeuf Bourguignon: A Classic French Delight

Boeuf Bourguignon is a quintessential French dish, a rich and hearty beef stew that epitomizes the synergy between simplicity and sophistication in Western European cuisine. This dish is perfect for a special dinner for two, offering a deep, flavorful experience that is both comforting and indulgent. Cooking this dish is a labor of love, requiring time and patience, but the reward is a deeply satisfying culinary masterpiece.

Serves: 2, Difficulty: Expert

Ingredients

• 500g stewing beef, cut into chunks
• 100g bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 375ml red wine
• 125ml beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 125g mushrooms, quartered
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Method

• In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until browned and crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
• Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. In the same pot, sear the beef in the bacon fat until browned on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove the beef and set aside.
• In the same pot, add the sliced onion and carrot. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the carrot is slightly softened.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Return the beef and bacon to the pot. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to coat the meat and vegetables.
• Pour in the red wine, beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
• Add the quartered mushrooms and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes until the meat is tender and the sauce is rich and thickened.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tips

• For the best flavor, use a good quality red wine that you would enjoy drinking.
• Prepare the stew a day in advance and reheat before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Serve with a crusty French baguette or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information