Classic French Beef Stew with Mushrooms

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Introduction:
Classic French Beef Stew with Mushrooms, also known as “Boeuf Bourguignon,” is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a medley of vegetables in a luscious red wine sauce. This dish is perfect for cold days and special occasions, offering a taste of traditional French cuisine that is sure to impress. Slow-cooked to perfection, this stew is full of deep, savory flavors that develop over time, making it a favorite in many households.

 

**Step 5: Serve**
1. Once the beef is tender, remove the bay leaves from the stew.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
3. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

 

**Flavor Profile:**
Classic French Beef Stew with Mushrooms is characterized by its deep, rich flavors. The slow-cooked beef becomes incredibly tender, absorbing the robust taste of the red wine and beef broth. The mushrooms add an earthy depth, while the carrots and celery provide a slight sweetness that balances the savory components. The tomato paste adds a subtle richness, and the fresh parsley brightens the dish, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors.

 

**Nutritional Benefits:**
This stew is a hearty and nutritious meal, providing a good source of protein from the beef and essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. The use of red wine in moderation adds antioxidants, while the slow-cooking method ensures that the nutrients from the ingredients are well-retained.

 

**Conclusion:**
Classic French Beef Stew with Mushrooms is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings a touch of French culinary tradition to your table. Perfect for cozy dinners and special occasions, this stew is sure to impress with its rich, savory flavors and tender beef. Serve it with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a side of green beans to complete the meal, and enjoy the comforting warmth of this classic dish.

 

Ingredients:
  • 3 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 lb mushrooms, quartered
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaves, parsley)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

 

Directions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside.
Season the beef with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches in the same pot. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat, scraping the bottom of the pot.
Return the beef and bacon to the pot. Add the tomato paste and bouquet garni. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 2 hours.
In a separate pan, sauté the mushrooms in a bit of oil until golden. Add to the stew in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition and Serving Information:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2.5 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Calories: 540 kcal
Servings: 6 servings

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