**Simple Slow Cooker Coq au Vin: A Guide to French Comfort Food**
Coq au Vin, a timeless dish from France, means “rooster in wine.” Traditionally, it consists of slow-cooking a rooster with wine, mushrooms, onions, bacon, and herbs. This dish, rich in rustic appeal, has been a cornerstone of French culinary tradition for centuries. Although the original recipe can be labor-intensive, the slow cooker provides a contemporary approach, making it easy for home cooks desiring comfort without complication.
**Ingredients:**
– 4-6 chicken thighs or drumsticks (skin-on for added flavor)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 slices of bacon, chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir is recommended)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
– 2 carrots, sliced
– Fresh parsley for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Ingredients:**
– Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
– In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
2. **Brown the Chicken:**
– In the same skillet, add olive oil if necessary and brown the chicken on all sides. This step enhances flavor, but you can omit it if pressed for time. Move the chicken to the slow cooker.
3. **Sauté Vegetables:**
– In the same skillet, add onions and garlic, sautéing until aromatic. Incorporate mushrooms and carrots, cooking until they start to soften. Move to the slow cooker.
4. **Create the Sauce:**
– Pour the wine into the skillet, scraping any browned bits. Mix in chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf. Allow to simmer for a few minutes, then pour over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
5. **Slow Cook:**
– Add the crispy bacon to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and flavors meld beautifully.
6. **Finish and Serve:**
– Before serving, take out the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
**Serving Suggestions:**
Coq au Vin pairs excellently with crusty French bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles, which absorb the rich, flavorful sauce. A side of green beans or a simple salad can provide a fresh contrast to the hearty dish.
**Tips for Success:**
– **Wine Selection:** Choose a wine you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will be prominent in the dish.
– **Browning the Chicken:** While optional, browning adds depth to the flavor and enhances the dish’s overall texture.
– **Thickening the Sauce:** If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once cooked and simmer the sauce on the stove with a cornstarch slurry until it reaches the desired thickness.
**Conclusion:**
Slow Cooker Coq au Vin is a wonderful way to savor a French classic with minimal effort. This adaptation preserves the essence of the traditional dish while providing the convenience of modern cooking methods. Whether for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe brings a taste of France to your table with ease and sophistication.