Boeuf Bourguignon

Boeuf Bourguignon, a classic French dish, has a rich history rooted in the culinary traditions of the Burgundy region. Originating as a humble peasant dish, Boeuf Bourguignon was a practical way to cook tougher cuts of beef, transforming them into a tender and flavorful stew. The recipe traditionally involves marinating beef in red wine, often a Burgundy wine, along with herbs, garlic, and onions, before slow-cooking the ingredients to perfection.

The dish gained widespread recognition and popularity beyond Burgundy due to the efforts of legendary chef Julia Child. In the mid-20th century, Child introduced Boeuf Bourguignon to a broader audience through her influential cookbook "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" and her television series. Child's charismatic presentation and meticulous instructions contributed to the dish's appeal, solidifying its status as a classic in French cuisine. Today, Boeuf Bourguignon remains a symbol of hearty, flavorful comfort food, cherished for its deep, wine-infused flavors and the cultural legacy it represents in both traditional and contemporary French cooking.

Ingredients

Marinade:

3 cups Burgundy wine

2 onions, thinly sliced

2 carrots, chopped

2 tablespoons brandy

1 clove garlic, crushed

10 whole black peppercorns

1 teaspoon salt

1 sprig fresh parsley

1 bay leaf

2 pounds cubed beef chuck roast

Bourguignon:

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

¼ pound bacon, cubed (pancetta can be used as well)

2 onions, chopped

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 can beef broth

salt and pepper to taste

4 tablespoons butter

1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced

Directions

  1. For the marinade: Mix wine, sliced onions, carrots, brandy, garlic, peppercorns, salt, parsley, and bay leaf in a large glass or ceramic bowl. Add beef and toss to evenly coat; cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 days.

  2. For the bourguignon: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).

  3. Strain beef from the marinade and shake off excess; pat dry with paper towels. Strain vegetables and set aside; reserve marinade. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches; cook until browned on all sides. Transfer browned beef into a separate medium bowl; set aside.

  4. Add bacon to the same skillet; cook and stir until lightly browned. Transfer bacon to the bowl with browned beef. Drain the skillet and return it to the heat. Pour 1 cup of reserved marinade into the skillet; bring to a boil while scraping the browned bits of food off the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Return this liquid to the reserved marinade.

  5. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in the same skillet. Add chopped onions; cook and stir until just tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in reserved onions and carrots from the marinade; mix well, then use a slotted spoon to transfer vegetables into the bowl with beef.

  6. Return the skillet to the heat; stir flour in pan drippings until browned, about 1 or 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and tomato paste until combined. Add beef broth, remaining reserved marinade, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, whisking to remove any flour lumps; pour over beef mixture in the bowl. Transfer beef mixture into a casserole or baking dish.

  7. Cook in the preheated oven until beef is tender, about 3 hours; stir occasionally and add water if needed.

  8. About 10 minutes before serving, melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until lightly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes; stir mushrooms into beef mixture until well combined.