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Beef Bourguignon

Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish that will forever remind me of culinary school. French for “Burgundy beef,” this is a rich well-known, French meat stew.  A simple food in many ways, the dish is flavored with garlic, onions, carrots, and herbs.  There is nothing all that fancy about this dish, but it’s wonderful. Chances are, you’ve had this popular dish, and if so, you know what I’m talking about: it’s true comfort food, especially on a chilly winter evening.

Beef Bourguignon prep

In culinary school, this dish is all about technique. It’s about how you cook each ingredient—from the mushrooms and onions to the beef—that makes it such a wonderful dish.  Julia Child included a recipe for Sauté de Boeuf a la Bourguignonnein Mastering the Art of French Cooking.  No one does it better than Julia.  If you’re interested, check out this video of Julie whipping up this French classic.

No surprise, I’m a bit of a Julia fan.  I had the honor of meeting her when I was in culinary school; I was humbled just being in her presence.  Julia believes this dish should be served in a casserole-type serving piece, and I happen to agree.  Large or small, a casserole dish keeps this meal rustic, classic and comforting.

Beef Bourguignon

Although Julia often gets credited, Beef Bourguignon is actually famous thanks to the well-known chef Auguste Escoffier who first published the recipe in the early 20th century.  Once considered peasant fare, Beef Bourguignon quickly became haute cuisine. Escoffier’s original recipe actually called for a whole piece of beef in the stew.

Beef Bourguignon

It was Julia Child who adapted that, calling for beef cubes.  That change, although simple, made this recipe more accessible, and appealing, to a whole new generation of cooks.  This is not a quick meal, but it is delectable and well worth the effort.

Beef Bourguignon

About the Author

Andrea Potischman

I am a professionally trained NYC chef turned CA mom and food blogger. I post about real food, with doable ingredient lists that are family friendly.

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