Beef Bourguignon (France)

Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish that originated in the Burgundy region of France. It's a hearty and flavorful stew made with beef, red wine, and aromatic vegetables. Here's a lounge-friendly version of Beef Bourguignon:

Beef Bourguignon

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (about 1 kg) beef stew meat, cut into cubes
• 1 bottle (750 ml) red wine (Burgundy or other dry red wine)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bouquet garni (a bundle of fresh herbs like thyme, bay leaves, and parsley, tied together)
• 2 cups (475 ml) beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound (450 g) mushrooms, quartered
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the beef:

   • Place the beef cubes in a large bowl and pour the red wine over them. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Preheat the oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

3. Dredge the beef:

   • Remove the beef from the marinade and pat it dry. Dredge the beef cubes in flour, shaking off excess.

4. Cook the bacon and brown the beef:

   • In a large oven-safe pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon and set it aside. Brown the beef cubes in batches until they are well-seared on all sides. Remove and set aside.

5. Sauté vegetables:

   • In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.

6. Combine and braise:

   • Return the beef and bacon to the pot. Pour in the marinade, add the bouquet garni, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

7. Transfer to the oven:

   • Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let it cook for about 2 to 2.5 hours or until the beef is tender.

8. Sauté mushrooms:

   • In a separate pan, sauté the quartered mushrooms in a bit of olive oil until they are browned and cooked through.

9. Finish the dish:

   • Add the sautéed mushrooms to the beef stew. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove the bouquet garni.

10. Serve:

    • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the Beef Bourguignon over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

This lounge-friendly version allows you to prepare a delicious Beef Bourguignon to enjoy in a relaxed setting. Pair it with a glass of red wine for the ultimate French dining experience.