Throw on some Édith Piaf and grab a glass of Beaujolais in celebration of Bastille Day, France’s national day, which is celebrated every July 14.
There are few dishes more fitting than an aromatic coq au vin to fill your belly on Bastille Day.
Iconic
When it comes to iconic French dishes, coq au vin undoubtedly holds a special place. This rustic and flavourful chicken dish has captivated the palates of food enthusiasts around the world for centuries.
With its roots deeply embedded in French gastronomy, coq au vin is a testament to the country’s rich culinary heritage.
Coq au vin traces its origins back to rural France, where it was traditionally prepared as a means to tenderize the older, tougher roosters that were no longer suitable for breeding.
The Process
The slow cooking process, accompanied by the addition of red wine, helped transform the meat into a succulent and flavourful delicacy. Over time, the dish gained popularity beyond the countryside and became a celebrated dish in French cuisine.
The key ingredients in coq au vin are relatively simple, but their combination yields a complex flavour profile.
Traditionally, the dish calls for a mature rooster, bacon, pearl onions, mushrooms, red wine, garlic, and fresh herbs such as thyme and parsley. However, modern variations often substitute chicken for the rooster due to its easier availability.
The end result is a luscious and aromatic stew, with the chicken imbued with the earthy notes of the wine, complemented by the smokiness of bacon and the savoury sweetness of the onions and mushrooms.
Message From Us
We, at Diplomatic Network (Asia), will be giving this recipe a bash over the weekend to show our appreciation for French gastronomy.
DNA wishes all the French out there a happy Quatorze Juillet.
Santé!
