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Coq au Vin, a quintessential French dish, translates to "rooster in wine." This traditional recipe features chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and bacon, creating a rich and flavorful stew. Coq au Vin is perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home, showcasing the elegance of French cuisine.

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (about 3.5 lbs or 1.6 kg), cut into pieces

1 bottle (750 ml) red wine

8 oz (0.23 kg) bacon, diced

2 cups (0.47 liter) chicken broth

1/4 cup (0.06 liter) brandy

1/2 lb (0.23 kg) mushrooms, sliced

2 large carrots (0.3 lb or 0.14 kg), sliced

12 pearl onions (0.3 lb or 0.14 kg), peeled

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons butter

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken:

Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour the red wine over the chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Cook the Bacon:

In a large Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.

Brown the Chicken:

Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry. Reserve the marinade. Brown the chicken pieces in the bacon drippings until golden on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pot, add the butter, sliced mushrooms, carrots, pearl onions, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned.

Deglaze the Pot:

Add the brandy to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the tomato paste and flour, cooking for another minute to form a roux.

Combine Ingredients:

Return the chicken and bacon to the pot. Pour in the reserved wine marinade and chicken broth. Add the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Braise the Chicken:

Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Adjust Seasoning:

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serving:

Serve Coq au Vin hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, crusty French bread, or buttered noodles, soaking up the rich, flavorful sauce.

Coq au Vin is a timeless French classic that brings a touch of sophistication to any meal. This hearty dish, with its tender chicken and deeply flavored sauce, is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting dinner. Experience the essence of French culinary tradition with every bite of this exquisite stew.