BOEUF GRAS BOURGUIGNONNE

Prep Time: 2 Hours
Yields: 6 Servings

Comment:
This recipe is typical of the country French techniques recreated in early New Orleans. Here, Burgundy wine is used for both flavoring and tenderizing the meat. This is the perfect dish for the pre-Lenten celebrations.

Ingredients:
2½–3 pounds cubed beef chuck
⅓ cup flour
¼ cup vegetable oil
4 slices bacon
2 cups diced onions
½ cup grated carrots
¼ cup minced garlic
1 cup sliced mushrooms
3 cups red Burgundy wine
4 cups beef broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
½ tsp dried thyme
1½ cups sliced green onions
¼ cup chopped parsley
salt and black pepper to taste

Method:
In a large mixing bowl, season meat with salt and pepper. Coat well with flour then set aside. In a cast iron Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sauté sliced bacon until golden brown. Remove, crush and keep warm. Add meat in 3 separate batches. Brown meat on all sides and allow it to caramelize in bottom of pot. Remove and keep warm. Sauté onions, carrots and minced garlic in pot 3–5 minutes or until vegetables are wilted. Blend in mushrooms, Burgundy, broth and tomato paste. Scrape bottom of pot to release caramelized flavor. Return meat to Dutch oven. Add bacon and thyme. Cover and simmer 1½ hours or until meat is tender. Add green onions and parsley then adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve over hot pasta.