Julia Child's Beef Bourguignon, Simplified & Delightful
135
min
852
Calories
45g
Fats
10g
Carbs
39g
Protein
Discover the essence of Julia Child's Beef Bourguignon with a simplified touch for a cozy, deeply flavored, and hearty meal. Perfect for impressing guests or a sumptuous family dinner.
Ingredients:
Step 1: Preheat & Cook Bacon
Start by heating a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large dutch oven over medium heat. Add 4 ounces of bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. This step not only cooks the bacon but also infuses the oil with a smoky flavor, which will add depth to the stew.
Pro Tip: Cut bacon into small pieces for quicker cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Beef Cubes
With the bacon out of the pan, add beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each side to a rich brown color, about 5 minutes total. This step is crucial for developing those deep, meaty flavors in the bourguignon.
Pro Tip: Ensure beef cubes sizzle upon contact for a perfect sear.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
After removing the beef, it's time to add the diced carrots and onions to the pot. Cook until they start to soften, about 3 minutes, seasoning with kosher salt and fresh pepper. These vegetables will add a slight sweetness and texture to the dish.
Pro Tip: Cut vegetables in uniform sizes for even cooking.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Return the bacon and beef to the pot, sprinkle with flour, and add red wine, beef stock, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, and pearl onions. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer, covering with a lid. The simmering will slowly tenderize the beef and meld all the flavors together into a thick, luxurious sauce.
Pro Tip: Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Mushrooms
In a separate pan, melt butter and quickly sauté minced garlic and mushrooms until golden. Be mindful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness. Incorporating these sautéed mushrooms towards the end retains their firm texture and earthy flavor, contrasting beautifully with the soft, melt-in-your-mouth chunks of beef.
Pro Tip: Adjust the heat to avoid burning the garlic.
Step 6: Combine & Serve
Stir the mushroom mixture into the stew, letting everything simmer for a final few minutes. Serve the rich, hearty beef bourguignon over a bed of buttered wide egg noodles, sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color. Don't forget to pour a glass of red wine to complement the complex flavors of the bourguignon.
Pro Tip: Let the bourguignon rest for 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
