How to Perfect French Beef Bourguignon Recipe

The allure of French cuisine is undeniable, with its elegant flavours and time-honoured techniques. Among its most cherished dishes is the Beef Bourguignon, a rich, savoury stew that epitomises the art of slow cooking. Originating from the Burgundy region, this dish brings together simple ingredients transformed by a meticulous cooking process.

This classic dish transports your taste buds straight to the heart of France. While adhering to traditional techniques, a few unique touches set it apart. These subtle enhancements elevate the overall experience, making each bite an indulgent pleasure. Here is the recipe and instructions below:

Beef Bourguignon Recipe

Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish that epitomises the art of slow cooking. This hearty stew features tender beef simmered in a rich red wine sauce, enhanced by the flavours of bacon, mushrooms, onions, and aromatic herbs. The dish requires patience, but the results are worth every minute.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Cuisine french

Servings 4 People

Ingredients

  

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• 900 g Beef stewing steak, cut small cubes
• 150 g Bacon, diced
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 Whole onion, finely chopped
• 2 Carrots, sliced
• 2 Cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Plain flour
• 475 ml Red wine High-quality Burgundy or robust Pinot Noir
• 475 ml Beef stock
• 1 tbsp Tomato purée
• 1 Bouquet garni
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 200 g Button mushrooms, cleaned and halved
• 150 g Pearl onions, peeled
• 2 tbsp Butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Splash of brandy, add depth

Instructions

 

• Pre heat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan) or Gas Mark 3.
• In a large ovenproof casserole dish, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
• In the same dish, add the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove and set aside with the bacon,
• Add the remaining olive oil to the dish. Sauté the chopped onion and sliced carrots until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
• Return the beef and bacon to the dish. Sprinkle over the flour and stir well to coat the meat.
• Pour in the red wine and beef stock. Stir in the tomato purée and add the bouquet garni. Season with salt and pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the casserole dish and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the beef is tender.
• About 30 minutes before serving, melt the butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the pearl onions and cook until golden brown. Add the mushrooms and sauté until tender.
• Add a splash of brandy towards the end of the cooking process. Remove the casserole from the oven. Stir in the cooked mushrooms and onions. Adjust the seasoning as necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
• Enjoy this classic French dish with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes

Notes

Professional Tips

To capture the authentic essence of Beef Bourguignon, selecting the right ingredients is paramount:

1.  Beef: Choose cuts such as beef chuck or brisket, which become tender and flavourful through slow cooking.
2.  Wine: A high-quality Burgundy or robust Pinot Noir is crucial, as its flavours intensify during the cooking process. 
3. Vegetables and Herbs: Traditional ingredients include onions, carrots, and mushrooms. Additionally, a bouquet garni of thyme, bay leaves, and parsley is essential.
4. Stock: Use a rich beef stock to enhance the depth of the stew.

Keyword Beef Bourguignon, Beef Bourguignon recipe

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Suggestions for Serving

Beef Bourguignon pairs beautifully with a range of side dishes that complement its rich flavours. For a classic option, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the luscious sauce perfectly. Alternatively, crusty bread can provide a delightful contrast in texture and is excellent for mopping up the stew. Buttered noodles also make a wonderful accompaniment, offering a traditional touch that many enjoy.

When presenting the dish, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant splash of colour and a hint of freshness. This simple garnish not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a subtle contrast to the rich, hearty stew. Serve the Beef Bourguignon in a deep dish or bowl to keep the warmth and let the aromas waft invitingly.

For an added touch of elegance, you might consider a light salad on the side. A mix of fresh greens with a simple vinaigrette can offer a refreshing counterbalance to the rich main course. If you prefer vegetables, lightly steamed green beans or sautéed spinach can add both colour and nutrition to your meal.

To round off your French-inspired meal, consider a cheese course or a light dessert like a fruit tart. These additional touches can transform a simple dinner into a memorable dining occasion, celebrating the flavours and techniques of classic French cuisine.

Nicol Retailer’s Unique Touch

Nicol Retailer’s Beef Bourguignon includes a few imaginative enhancements that elevate this classic dish. One standout feature is the brandy finish. By adding a splash of cooking brandy towards the end of the cooking process, the sauce is enriched with a nuanced depth that differentiates it from traditional recipes. This touch not only enhances the flavour profile but also adds a layer of sophistication.

Another noteworthy twist is the herb infusion. While a bouquet garni is standard, Nicol Retailer suggests incorporating freshly chopped parsley just before serving. This addition brings a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the stew’s richness, providing a lively finish to each bite.

Additionally, Nicol Retailer’s method emphasises careful marination. By marinating the beef in wine, brandy, and herbs for a minimum of four hours, but ideally overnight, the meat absorbs a deep, complex flavour, ensuring it remains tender throughout the slow cooking process. This step, although requiring patience, is crucial for achieving the dish’s signature taste.

Moreover, the choice of vegetables—onions, carrots, and mushrooms—are prepared in a way that maintains their texture and flavour. By slicing the vegetables slightly chunky, they not only complement the tender beef but also contribute to the stew’s hearty, rustic character.

Lastly, Nicol Retailer’s attention to the quality of wine used in the dish sets it apart. Recommending a high-quality Burgundy or robust Pinot Noir ensures that the flavours of the wine are fully integrated into the stew, intensifying as they cook down to create a sauce with remarkable depth.

These thoughtful touches and meticulous methods make Nicol Retailer’s Beef Bourguignon a distinctive and delightful interpretation of the classic French dish.