Introduction
French Beef Bourguignon, also known as Beef Burgundy, is a world-renowned dish that epitomizes the heart and soul of traditional French cooking. Originating from the Burgundy region in France, this dish is celebrated for its deep, rich flavors which are developed by slow-cooking beef in red wine, along with mushrooms, onions, and carrots. In this article, we adapt the classic recipe for those who prefer not to cook with alcohol, substituting grape juice for the wine, yielding a dish that retains the essence of the original while being accessible to all.
Ingredients
- Beef Stew Meat: 2 lbs, cubed
- Turkey Bacon: 4 slices, chopped
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 large, diced
- Carrots: 2, sliced
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Beef Broth: 2 cups
- Grape Juice: 1 cup (as a wine substitute)
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon, dried
- Bay Leaf: 1
- Mushrooms: 8 oz, sliced
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Directions and Preparation Method
- Prepare the Bacon: In a large pot, cook the chopped turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add olive oil to the pot. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onions, sliced carrots, and minced garlic, sautéing until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute. Then, pour in the beef broth, grape juice, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Finish with Mushrooms and Bacon: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the sliced mushrooms and reserved bacon to the pot. Continue to simmer until the mushrooms are tender.
- Season and Serve: Before serving, remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
FAQs
- Can I use real wine instead of grape juice? Yes, traditionally, red Burgundy wine is used, which you can substitute in equal parts for the grape juice if you prefer the authentic version.
- What’s the best cut of beef for Bourguignon? Chuck beef is ideal because it’s rich in flavor and becomes tender and juicy with long cooking times.
- Can I make this dish in a slow cooker? Absolutely! After sautéing your vegetables and browning the meat, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
- What are suitable side dishes? Beef Bourguignon is traditionally served with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- How long can I store leftovers? This dish can be refrigerated for up to three days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Conclusion
French Beef Bourguignon is a testament to the comfort and satisfaction that traditional French dishes can offer. With its rich history and deep, savory flavors, it remains a beloved dish for gatherings and family meals. Whether made with wine or a non-alcoholic substitute, it offers a warm, inviting flavor that is perfect for any dinner table.