Boeuf Bourguignon Recipe – Traditional French Beef Stew

Boeuf Bourguignon is a classic French beef stew originating from Burgundy, known for its rich flavors, slow-cooked beef, and deep red wine sauce. This authentic French dish is perfect for cozy dinners and showcases the beauty of French cuisine.

Ingredients:

For the stew:

• 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups Burgundy red wine
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaves, parsley)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

For the garnish:

• 1 cup pearl onions, peeled
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

• Marinate the beef (optional): For a deeper flavor, marinate the beef in red wine for 4-6 hours, then drain and pat dry.
• In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside.
• In the same pan, add the beef chunks in batches, searing them on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor

• Add another 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté the onions, carrots, and garlic until soft.
• Stir in the tomato paste and flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
• Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Slow Cooking the Stew

• Return the beef and bacon to the pot. Add the beef broth, bouquet garni, salt, and pepper.
• Cover and simmer on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the beef is tender. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 3 hours.

Step 4: Prepare the Garnish

• In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté the pearl onions until golden. Add the mushrooms and cook until tender.
• Stir the onions and mushrooms into the stew 20 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

• Remove the bouquet garni and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttered noodles.

Tips for the Best Boeuf Bourguignon:

1. Use quality wine: Burgundy wine (Pinot Noir) enhances the authentic taste.
2. Sear the meat properly for deep flavor.
3. Slow cooking is key—don’t rush for the best results.

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