Classic Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon: French Comfort in a Bowl

Beef Bourguignon is a traditional French dish that transforms inexpensive cuts of meat into luscious, tender beef. It's a richly flavored stew simmered slowly in red wine, with aromatic herbs, earthy vegetables, and smoky bacon, making it the perfect comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 kg beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 150 g bacon, diced
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 400 ml good-quality red wine
• 200 ml beef stock
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp thyme
• 300 g button mushrooms, halved
• 150 g small onions or shallots, peeled
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

2. Sauté Bacon and Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon, leaving the fat in the pot. Add the carrots, onion, and garlic to the pot. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Deglaze and Simmer: Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F). Add the browned beef, bacon, and tomato paste to the pot, stirring well. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Pour in the red wine and beef stock while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the bay leaf and thyme.

4. Oven Cooking: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is very tender.

5. Sauté Mushrooms and Onions: About 30 minutes before serving, heat the remaining oil in a skillet. Sauté the mushrooms and small onions or shallots until golden brown and tender. Add them to the stew for the last 30 minutes of baking.

6. Final Touch: Once the stew is done, remove the pot from the oven, and check for seasoning. Adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Discard the bay leaf and thyme sprig.

Serving Suggestion: Serve this hearty Beef Bourguignon over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or with crusty French bread. Enjoy with a glass of a robust red wine for a true French experience.

Enjoy your classic and comforting Beef Bourguignon, a dish that embodies the essence of slow-cooked French cuisine.