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Beef Bourguignon





Irresistible Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Description of the Recipe

Discover the rich flavors of Beef Bourguignon with our step-by-step recipe. Perfect for special occasions or a comforting family meal. Beef Bourguignon is a rich and flavorful stew that originates from the Burgundy region of France. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious and comforting meal, perfect for special occasions or a hearty family dinner.

The combination of tender beef, red wine, vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to making this delicious French classic, ensuring that your Beef Bourguignon will impress anyone who tastes it.

Ingredients – Beef Bourguignon

For the Beef Bourguignon:

  • 3 pounds beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) red wine (preferably Burgundy)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 carrots, sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces pearl onions, peeled
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, quartered
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Beef Bourguignon

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

  1. Marinate the beef: In a large bowl, combine the beef cubes with the red wine, chopped onion, and garlic. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Remove and pat dry: After marinating, remove the beef from the wine mixture and pat it dry with paper towels. Reserve the wine mixture for later use.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Brown the beef: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the beef on all sides until a crust forms. Remove the beef and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Cook the vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  2. Deglaze the pot: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

  1. Add the wine and broth: Pour the reserved wine mixture and the beef broth into the pot. Bring to a simmer while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  2. Add the beef and herbs: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the thyme and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Slow Cook in the Oven

  1. Transfer to the oven: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Step 6: Prepare the Garnish Vegetables

  1. Cook the mushrooms and pearl onions: While the stew is in the oven, melt the remaining butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the pearl onions and cook until they begin to brown. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.

Step 7: Finish the Dish

  1. Add the garnish vegetables: After 2 hours, remove the pot from the oven. Add the browned pearl onions and mushrooms to the stew. Stir to combine.
  2. Simmer and thicken: Place the pot back on the stovetop and simmer uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 8: Serve

  1. Garnish and serve: Remove the bay leaves and discard them. Serve the Beef Bourguignon hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty French bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.

Tips and Variations for Beef Bourguignon

  • Wine selection: Use a good-quality Burgundy wine for the best flavor. If unavailable, a full-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot will also work well.
  • Vegetable variations: You can add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for added depth of flavor.
  • Make ahead: Beef Bourguignon tastes even better the next day. Prepare it a day in advance and reheat gently before serving.
  • Slow cooker method: After browning the beef and vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.

Make-Ahead Tips

Beef Bourguignon can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop even further. Reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving. It also freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Beef Bourguignon with crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or a side of roasted vegetables also make excellent accompaniments. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the rich flavors of the stew.

Preparation and Cooking Time – Beef Bourguignon

  • Preparation time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Total time: 3 hours

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg

Curiosities and Historical Facts about Beef Bourguignon

Beef Bourguignon, also known as Boeuf Bourguignon, hails from the Burgundy region of France, known for its exceptional wine. This dish is a staple of French cuisine and was traditionally made by peasant farmers who needed to make the most of tougher cuts of meat. By slow-cooking the beef in wine, the meat becomes incredibly tender, and the flavors meld together beautifully.

The dish gained international fame through Julia Child’s cookbook, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” published in 1961. Her detailed recipe and charming personality brought French cooking into American homes, and Beef Bourguignon became a symbol of gourmet home cooking.

Today, Beef Bourguignon is celebrated worldwide for its deep, rich flavors and comforting qualities. It remains a popular choice for dinner parties and special occasions, showcasing the timeless appeal of French culinary tradition.

This detailed Beef Bourguignon recipe provides everything you need to create a delicious and impressive dish.