Coq au Vin - A Classic French Dish You Can Make at Home

Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a cozy night in, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make Coq au Vin with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.

Ingredients

To make Coq au Vin for four people, you will need:

• 1.5 kg chicken, cut into pieces
• 200g bacon, chopped
• 2 onions, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 500g mushrooms, sliced
• 750ml red wine
• 500ml chicken broth
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the Dutch oven and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
4. Add the onions and garlic to the Dutch oven and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid, about 5 minutes.
6. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
7. Add the red wine, chicken broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
8. Add the chicken and bacon back to the Dutch oven. Cover and transfer to the oven.
9. Cook for 1 hour, then remove the lid and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
10. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Serve hot with crusty bread and a glass of red wine.

Vegetarian/Vegan Version

For a vegetarian or vegan version of Coq au Vin, simply replace the chicken and bacon with your favorite meatless protein. We recommend using seitan or tempeh for a hearty and flavorful dish.

Gluten-Free Version

To make Coq au Vin gluten-free, simply replace the flour with a gluten-free flour or cornstarch. Be sure to check that all of your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Conclusion

Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a delicious meal, Coq au Vin is a must-try recipe.

FAQ

What is Coq au Vin?

Coq au Vin is a classic French dish made with chicken, bacon, mushrooms, onions, and red wine. The chicken is braised in the wine and other ingredients until it is tender and flavorful.

What type of wine should I use for Coq au Vin?

Traditionally, Coq au Vin is made with a red Burgundy wine. However, you can use any dry red wine that you prefer.

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

You can use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs, but keep in mind that the breast meat will be less moist and flavorful. Thighs are a better choice for this dish.

Can I make Coq au Vin in advance?

Yes, you can make Coq au Vin in advance. It actually tastes better the next day because the flavors have more time to meld together.

Can I freeze Coq au Vin?

Yes, you can freeze Coq au Vin. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

What should I serve with Coq au Vin?

Coq au Vin is traditionally served with crusty bread, potatoes, or rice. You can also serve it with a green salad or roasted vegetables.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. However, keep in mind that turkey bacon has a different texture and flavor than regular bacon.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you want to make this dish vegetarian. However, keep in mind that it will have a different flavor.

Can I use a slow cooker to make Coq au Vin?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker to make Coq au Vin. Just follow the recipe instructions, but cook it on low for 6-8 hours instead of on the stove.

What can I do if my sauce is too thin?

If your sauce is too thin, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Then, whisk the slurry into the sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.