Enchanté by Evening: A Valentine’s Day Romantic French Cuisine

Romantic French Cuisine for Valentine’s Dinner

Indulge in a captivating French dining experience with your loved one this Valentine’s Day. French cuisine is renowned for its elegance and flavor, making it the perfect choice for a romantic dinner. Below, you’ll find a classic yet simple recipe that will transport you and your partner to the charming streets of Paris without leaving your home.

Coq au Vin – A Classic French Stew

Servings: 2 (Perfect for a couple)

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Ingredients: for Romantic French Cuisine

• 4 chicken thighs, skin on
• 150g lardons or thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 10 pearl onions or small shallots, peeled
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 200g button mushrooms, halved
• 1 large carrot, sliced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 cups red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• A few sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley to garnish
• Crusty bread, to serve

Instructions:

Preparing the Ingredients:

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Cooking the Dish:

1. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until the skin is golden brown, roughly 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the lardons or bacon and cook until they start to brown. Then add the pearl onions and cook until they’re lightly browned.
3. Stir in the garlic, carrot, and mushrooms, cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Add the tomato paste, stirring to coat the vegetables, and sauté for a couple of minutes until the paste darkens slightly.
5. Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits (fond). Allow to simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Return the chicken to the pot, add chicken broth, and toss in the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
8. With about 10 minutes of cooking time remaining, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium to allow the sauce to reduce further if desired.

Finishing Touches:

1. When the chicken is cooked through and the stew is rich and flavorful, discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Stir in the butter for a glossy finish.
2. Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
3. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Serving:

Serve the Coq au Vin in warm bowls with crusty bread on the side to soak up the luscious sauce.

Pair this lovingly prepared dish with a glass of red wine, the same used in cooking for perfect harmony, and enjoy an intimate candlelit dinner that will make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable.

Bon Appétit!

Remember, it’s not just about the food – setting the mood with dim lighting, soft music, and perhaps a beautiful centerpiece will make your Valentine’s dinner genuinely magical.