Coq Au Vin with Red Wine & Pearl Onions - A Hint of Wine
Coq Au Vin is a classic French dish that combines tender chicken, red wine, and pearl onions to create a savory and rich meal. This traditional recipe is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a taste of France.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken legs
- 4 chicken thighs
- 8 ounces pearl onions
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the garlic and pearl onions to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to coat them evenly.
- Pour in the red wine and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and add the bay leaf and thyme.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and serve the Coq Au Vin hot with crusty bread or potatoes.
How to prepare:
To prepare this delicious Coq Au Vin, start by browning the chicken in a combination of olive oil and butter. This will give the chicken a nice golden color and seal in the juices. Next, cook the pearl onions and garlic until they are softened. This will enhance the flavors of the dish and add a sweet and tangy element. Once the onions and garlic are softened, sprinkle flour over them to create a roux. The roux will help thicken the sauce and give the Coq Au Vin a velvety texture. Finally, add the red wine and chicken broth to the skillet, along with the bay leaf and thyme. This will infuse the dish with rich flavors and create a fragrant aroma. Cover the skillet and let the Coq Au Vin simmer for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Serve the dish hot with crusty bread or potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Preparation time:
The preparation time for this Coq Au Vin recipe is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. This includes the time it takes to brown the chicken, cook the onions and garlic, and let the dish simmer to perfection. It’s a great recipe to make on a lazy Sunday afternoon when you have time to spare and want to enjoy the process of cooking.
Servings:
This Coq Au Vin recipe serves 4 people. It’s a hearty and filling dish that pairs well with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad. If you have a larger crowd to feed, simply double the ingredients to make more servings.
Nutrition Facts:
Unfortunately, we do not have specific nutrition facts for this Coq Au Vin recipe. However, it’s important to note that this dish is rich in protein from the chicken and packed with flavor from the red wine and seasonings. To make it a more balanced meal, consider serving it with a side of green vegetables or a fresh salad.
Tips:
- Make sure to brown the chicken well before adding it to the skillet. This will enhance the flavors of the dish and give it a beautiful presentation.
- Use a good quality red wine for this recipe. The wine will simmer with the chicken and infuse it with rich flavors, so choose a wine that you enjoy drinking.
- If you can’t find pearl onions, you can substitute them with regular onions. Simply cut the onions into small quarters or slices and cook them until softened in the skillet.
- Serve this Coq Au Vin with crusty bread or potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. In fact, the flavors will deepen and meld together even more after sitting for a day or two in the refrigerator.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use white wine instead of red wine?
A: While traditionally Coq Au Vin is made with red wine, you can certainly use white wine if you prefer. The flavors will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Q: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
A: You can use boneless chicken if you prefer, but keep in mind that bone-in chicken will provide more flavor to the dish.
Q: Can I freeze Coq Au Vin?
A: Yes, Coq Au Vin can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven.
Q: What can I serve with Coq Au Vin?
A: Coq Au Vin pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. Choose your favorite accompaniments to create a well-rounded meal.
Enjoy the flavors of France with this delicious and comforting Coq Au Vin recipe. With tender chicken, red wine, and pearl onions, it’s a dish that will transport you to the streets of Paris. Bon appétit!
