Decadent Beef Bourguignon & Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A Taste of French Home Cooking
[What to Eat Today?] Boeuf Bourguignon & Classic Mashed Potatoes Recipe for a Special Ambiance
The name might sound intimidating, but this Boeuf Bourguignon is surprisingly approachable for a home-cooked meal! Elevate your evening with this classic French dish, perfect for when you want to create a sophisticated dining experience. It pairs wonderfully with wine, making it ideal for special occasions or simply when you crave a comforting yet elegant meal. Let’s explore the rich flavors and tender textures of French cuisine!
Beef Bourguignon Ingredients- 600g beef (shank or chuck), cut into large cubes
- 2 onions, roughly chopped or cut into large pieces
- 5 button mushrooms, quartered or cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 3 Tbsp tomato sauce (tomato passata or paste can also be used)
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 3 bay leaves
- 500ml red wine (Burgundy recommended) or dry white wine
Creamy Mashed Potatoes- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 100ml heavy cream
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of dried parsley (for garnish)
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 100ml heavy cream
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of dried parsley (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the beef for your Boeuf Bourguignon. Cut the beef shank into large cubes, about 3-4 cm in size. This size ensures the meat stays tender and juicy during the slow cooking process.
Step 2
Clean the button mushrooms and cut them into quarters, or into pieces that are easy to eat in one bite. Avoid cutting them too small, as they can become mushy when cooked.
Step 3
Heat a deep pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become translucent, releasing their aroma. Then, add the mushrooms and cook until their moisture has evaporated.
Step 4
Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pot. Add the beef cubes and sear them on all sides until nicely browned. Season the beef lightly with salt and pepper as it browns. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt, coating the beef and enhancing its flavor.
Step 5
Stir in 3 tablespoons of tomato sauce, mixing it well with the beef and vegetables. The tomato sauce adds depth of flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Add 3 bay leaves to infuse the stew with their aromatic essence.
Step 6
Pour in 500ml of red wine (Burgundy is highly recommended). The wine should almost cover the beef. If you don’t have red wine, a dry white wine you have at home will work just fine. Wine is crucial for tenderizing the meat and developing a deep, rich flavor.
Step 7
Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add a little water or broth if the sauce becomes too thick. You’ll notice the sauce starts to thicken and the beef becomes tender around the 40-minute mark. Adjust the cooking time until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce reaches your desired consistency. A good test is if a fork slides easily into the meat.
Step 8
Now, let’s make the mashed potatoes. Wash the potatoes thoroughly (keeping the skin on for extra nutrients is an option) and place them in a pot. Cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 9
Once cooked, drain the potatoes and peel them while they are still warm. Place them in a bowl and mash them until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and 100ml of warm heavy cream, mixing until well combined and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finish with a sprinkle of dried parsley for garnish. (Tip: For a different twist, instead of butter and cream, you can mash the potatoes with 3 Tbsp mayonnaise, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, salt, and pepper for a more casual potato salad style.)
Step 10
To serve, ladle the rich, tender Boeuf Bourguignon into a bowl. Place a generous serving of the smooth, creamy mashed potatoes alongside. The fork-tender beef, coated in the luscious sauce, paired with the comforting mashed potatoes creates a truly impressive French home-style meal. Enjoy with a side of crusty bread!
