Chef's Special French Beef Stew: A Flavorful Journey Through Classic French Cuisine

This hearty French Beef Stew, also known as "Boeuf Bourguignon," is a flavorful dish rich in meat, vegetables, and red wine. It is a classic French recipe that is perfect for a cozy dinner. This version brings authentic, deep flavors to your table and ensures that every bite is a warming delight.

### Ingredients ###

For the stew:- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes- 2 tbsp olive oil- 1/4 cup flour- 6 slices of bacon, chopped- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into large chunks- 1 large onion, sliced- 3 cloves garlic, minced- 2 tbsp tomato paste- 2 cups red wine (preferably Burgundy)- 2 cups beef broth- 1 bay leaf- 4 sprigs fresh thyme- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved- Salt and pepper to taste

For the garnish:- 1/2 lb mushrooms, sliced- 2 tbsp butter- Fresh parsley, chopped

### Instructions ###

1. Preparing the Beef:- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).- Pat the beef dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper. Toss the beef in flour to coat evenly.- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Cooking the Bacon and Vegetables:- In the same pot, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.- Add the carrots and onion to the pot and cook until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

3. Combining Ingredients:- Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for another minute.- Pour in the red wine and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.- Return the beef and bacon to the pot. Add the bay leaf and thyme.

4. Braising the Stew:- Add the potatoes, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.- Cover the pot and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.

5. Preparing the Garnish:- About 15 minutes before the stew is done, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.- Add the mushrooms and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

6. Finishing the Stew:- Remove the stew from the oven and discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.- Stir in the cooked mushrooms.

7. Serving:- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.- Enjoy this flavorful French Beef Stew with a crusty baguette or over mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.