In this blog post, we’ll explore the take on Coq Au Vin and discover how they bring their unique flair to this classic dish. From their choice of ingredients to their cooking techniques, we’ll delve into every detail of their recipe and show you how to recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen. Coq Au Vin, which literally means “rooster in wine,” is a French dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a classic dish that has become popular all over the world, especially in the United States. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with rich red wine, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs.
Origin and History of Coq Au Vin
The history of Coq Au Vin dates back to the time of Julius Caesar when roosters were cooked in wine. In the 16th century, it was a popular dish among French peasants. It was a way to make use of older roosters that were no longer good for egg-laying or breeding. These roosters were typically tough and required a long cooking time. The wine was used to tenderize the meat and add flavor.
This dish became more popular in the 20th century when it was served in restaurants and became a classic French dish. It has since been adapted and made by home cooks all over the world.
Everything about Coq Au Vin
This is a dish that is best made with chicken that has been allowed to marinate overnight in a mixture of red wine, onions, garlic, and herbs. This helps to infuse the chicken with flavor and tenderize the meat. After marinating, the chicken is browned in a large pot or Dutch oven with bacon and mushrooms.
The chicken is then simmered in the wine marinade, along with pearl onions, until it is cooked through and tender. The sauce is then thickened with a mixture of flour and butter to create a rich, velvety texture. It is typically served with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Coq Au Vin Jamie Oliver
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has his own version of this dish. His recipe uses chicken thighs instead of whole chicken, and he adds carrots and celery to the mix for added flavor. He also uses cognac to deglaze the pan before adding the wine and other ingredients.
Traditional Coq Au Vin Recipe
This recipe uses a whole chicken that has been cut into pieces. The chicken is marinated overnight in a mixture of red wine, onions, garlic, and herbs. It is then browned in a large pot or Dutch oven with bacon and mushrooms. The chicken is then simmered in the wine marinade, along with pearl onions, until it is cooked through and tender. The sauce is then thickened with a mixture of flour and butter to create a rich, velvety texture.
Coq Au Vin Recipe Easy
This dish’s easy recipe uses boneless chicken thighs instead of whole chicken. It is marinated in red wine, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking. Then browned in a large pot or Dutch oven with bacon and mushrooms. The chicken is then simmered in the wine marinade, along with pearl onions and carrots, until it is cooked through and tender. The sauce is then thickened with a mixture of flour and butter.
Coq Au Vin Slow Cooker
It can also be made in a slow cooker. Marinating the chicken in red wine, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking. The chicken is then browned in a skillet with bacon and mushrooms. The chicken is then added to a slow cooker along with the wine marinade, pearl onions, and carrots. The slow cooker is then set to low and left to cook for several hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
What to Serve with Coq Au Vin
- Mashed Potatoes: It is a rich and indulgent dish that pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes will help to soak up the flavorful sauce and add a touch of comfort to the meal.
- Crusty Bread: Crusty bread is a classic accompaniment to French dishes and it is no exception for Coq au Vin. Use the bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a bit of crunch to the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: This dish is a rich and meaty dish that can benefit from the addition of some roasted vegetables. Try roasting carrots, parsnips, and potatoes with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper to bring some sweetness and color to the plate.
- Egg noodles: This dish is traditionally served with egg noodles in France, so this is a great option if you’re looking for something authentic.
- Rice: If you’re looking for a lighter option, rice is a great choice. You can serve this dish over white or brown rice for a simple and satisfying meal.
- Green beans: A simple side of sautéed green beans adds a fresh and healthy element to the meal.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts are a great way to add some color and texture to the plate, and their slightly bitter flavor pairs well with the rich flavors of the dish.
- Salad: A light and refreshing salad can help balance out the richness of this dish. Try a simple mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
Coq au Vin Julia Child
Julia Child was an American chef, author, and television personality who is credited with popularizing French cuisine in the United States. Her version of this dish is a classic and is known for its rich flavor and tender chicken. Here is Julia Child:
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces bacon, diced
- 2 ½ to 3 pounds of chicken, cut into serving pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup cognac
- 3 cups red wine
- 1 to 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- 18 to 24 pearl onions, peeled
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 1 pound mushrooms, quartered
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
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Directions:
- In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, and brown them in the bacon fat on both sides. Once browned, remove the chicken and set aside.
- Remove the pan from heat and add the cognac. Return the pan to heat and ignite the cognac with a match to burn off the alcohol.
- Add the wine, chicken stock, tomato paste, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf to the pan. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat to a simmer.
- Add the chicken, bacon, onions, carrots, and mushrooms to the pan. Cover and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is through and tender.
- In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until the paste forms. Cook the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until it turns a light brown color.
- Add the butter-flour mixture to the Coq au Vin and stir until the sauce thickens. Remove the bay leaf and serve garnished with chopped parsley.
Coq au Vin Recipe Gordon Ramsay
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s version of this dish is slightly different from the traditional recipe. He uses smoked bacon, pearl onions, and button mushrooms to give the dish a unique flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken legs
- 4 chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 200g smoked bacon, cut into small pieces
- 250g button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 onions, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 750ml red wine
- 750ml chicken stock
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp butter
- 18 pearl onions, peeled and blanched
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
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Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 170°C.
- Season the chicken legs and thighs with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 10 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Add the bacon to the Dutch oven and cook until crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon and set it aside.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and onions to the Dutch oven and cook until they are soft about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add the flour and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the red wine and chicken stock to the Dutch oven. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Return the chicken and bacon to the Dutch oven. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cover the Dutch oven and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 1 1/2 hours.
- While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the pearl onions and cook until they are brown in color about 10 minutes. Stir in the honey and red wine vinegar.
- Remove the Dutch oven from the oven and stir in the pearl onions. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve the coq au vin with the chopped parsley sprinkled on top.
Coq Au Vin Hairy Bikers
This dish is a classic French dish that is popular with chefs all over the world. The Hairy Bikers, Dave Myers and Si King have put their own spin on this traditional recipe and created a delicious and easy-to-follow version of Coq Au Vin.
Their recipe calls for chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken, which cuts down on cooking time and makes it easier to serve. The chicken is first seared in a hot pan until golden brown and then cooked in a red wine sauce with bacon, onions, carrots, garlic, and mushrooms.
The Hairy Bikers also add a touch of sweetness to this dish by including a small amount of red currant jelly in the sauce. This balances out the acidity of the red wine and adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
To serve, the Hairy Bikers suggest pairing their Coq Au Vin with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. The rich and hearty flavors of the dish complement the creamy potatoes and the fresh green beans add a nice crunch and brightness to the plate.
Overall, the Hairy Bikers recipe is a great way to experience the flavors of this classic French dish without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a perfect recipe for a cozy dinner party or a special occasion meal.
Nutritional Information
One serving of this dish (approximately 1 chicken leg or 1/4 of a whole chicken) contains approximately:
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 45g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Sugar: 5g
Health Benefit
This is a protein-rich dish that provides a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron and zinc. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help support overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, the vegetables in this dish provide fiber and other important nutrients that support digestive health.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make coq au vin ahead of time? Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. The flavors may even improve with time as the dish sits in the refrigerator.
- Can I use white wine instead of red wine? Traditionally, it is made with red wine, but you can use white wine if you prefer a lighter flavor. Keep in mind that the color of the dish will be different and the flavor may be slightly altered.
- Can I use boneless chicken in coq au vin? Yes, the use of boneless chicken in this dish is okay cause it adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist during cooking. However, boneless chicken is also a possibility. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
- Can I make coq au vin in a slow cooker? Yes, the use of a slow cooker in making this dish is possible. Simply follow the recipe as written and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
- What is the difference between coq au vin and beef bourguignon? Coq au vin with chicken, while beef bourguignon is with beef. Both dishes involve marinating the meat in red wine and slowly cooking it with vegetables, but the flavors and textures are different.
Conclusion
This is a classic French dish with ancient origins. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for cold weather or anytime you’re craving comfort food. While it’s not the healthiest dish due to its high calorie and sodium content, the enjoyment of this dish should be in moderation as part of a balanced diet. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can make this delicious dish at home and impress your dinner guests with your culinary skills.