traditional beef bourguignon recipe uk easy

The Flavours of France: A Traditional Beef Bourguignon Recipe UK-Style, Made Easy

Beef Bourguignon, the quintessential French dish that warms the heart and soul. This classic recipe has been a staple of French cuisine for centuries, and for good reason. The rich, bold flavours of tender beef, mushrooms, and red wine come together in perfect harmony, making it a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated. But, let's be honest, traditional Beef Bourguignon recipes can be intimidating, with long lists of ingredients and complicated cooking techniques. Fear not, dear foodies! We've simplified this beloved recipe, making it easy to recreate in your own UK kitchen.

The Essence of Beef Bourguignon

So, what makes Beef Bourguignon so special? It's the slow-cooked beef, of course! Chuck steak or brisket, browned to perfection and simmered in red wine, stock, and aromatics, results in tender, fall-apart meat that's infused with depth of flavour. Add to that the 'holy trinity' of French cooking - onions, carrots, and celery - and you've got a dish that's both hearty and aromatic. And let's not forget the mushrooms, those lovely, earthy fungi that add an extra layer of umami to the pot.

A Simplified Recipe for the Modern UK Cook

We've taken the essence of traditional Beef Bourguignon and adapted it for the modern UK cook. Our recipe uses easily accessible ingredients, simplifies the cooking process, and still packs a flavour punch. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 kg beef chuck steak or brisket, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
• 1 cup red wine (such as Merlot or Pinot Noir)
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Easy Steps to a Delicious Beef Bourguignon

Now that we have our ingredients, let's get cooking! Here's a step-by-step guide to making this simplified Beef Bourguignon recipe:

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Soften the Onions

Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook until the onions are softened and caramelized, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Mushrooms

Add the minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly tender. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wine and Stock

Add the red wine to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the wine to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add the beef stock, thyme, and browned beef back to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Simmer and Serve

Bring the stew to a simmer and cook, covered, for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and falls apart easily. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme, and crusty bread on the side.

Voilà! A traditional Beef Bourguignon recipe, simplified and adapted for the modern UK cook. With these easy steps, you'll be enjoying a rich, flavourful, and comforting dish that's sure to become a family favourite.