Coq au Vin recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 6 slices of bacon, sliced into small pieces
• 1 cup of red wine
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot, heat the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from pot and set aside, keeping the bacon fat in the pot.
3. Add chicken pieces to the same pot and season with salt and pepper. Brown chicken on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken from pot and set aside.
4. Add diced onion and garlic to the same pot and cook until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Add tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to the pot and stir to combine.
6. Dust flour on top of the mixture and stir until it evenly coats the onion mixture.
7. Add the red wine, chicken broth and cooked bacon to the pot and stir well.
8. Add the chicken pieces back to the pot, ensuring that they are covered with the liquid.
9. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid.
10. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
11. Remove the chicken from the pot, place on a serving dish and keep warm.
12. Strain the liquid from the pot into a saucepan. Bring the sauce to a boil and let it reduce until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir in the butter, remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
13. Pour the sauce over the chicken and serve hot.

Verdict and Serving Suggestions:

Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that is perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. The tender chicken, bacon, and wine sauce create a rich combination that is sure to impress your guests. Serve this dish with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!