French Pot-au-Feu Recipe

Pot-au-feu is a classic French dish that brings together a variety of pre-cooked ingredients to create a hearty and comforting wintertime meal. Translated literally as “pot on the fire”, this dish emphasizes slow cooking to bring out the full flavors of each ingredient. Despite the time it takes to make pot-au-feu, the precise and simple preparation makes it an easy meal to put together.

Pot-au-feu is an excellent dish for those who enjoy food that is comforting,yet simple. There is something innately calming about the ritual of simmering pieces of beef, carrots, potatoes, turnips, and leeks together, and once they are cooked, the warmth of the broth produces an atmosphere of contentment.

To make this classic French dish, you will need:

Ingredients:

– 2 – 2 1/2 lbs of beef, cut into 2-inch cubes
– 1 large onion, cut into 4 wedges
– 3 large carrots, cut into 2-inch lengths
– 2 turnips, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 4 – 5 new potatoes, halved
– 1 head of celery, cut into 2-inch lengths
– 1/2 lb of string beans, trimmed
– 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
– 1 leek, cut into 2-inch lengths
– 1 bay leaf
– salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

2. Place the beef and onion wedges in a Dutch oven or large oven-proof pot. Cover the beef with 10 cups of cold water and bring to a boil over medium heat.

3. Once the water has come to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.

4. After 1 1/2 hours, add the carrots, turnips, potatoes, celery, string beans, and garlic to the pot. Continue to simmer for another hour.

5. Once the vegetables are tender, add the leek, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

6. Place the pot in the preheated oven and cook for 1 hour.

7. Serve the pot-au-feu in individual shallow bowls with a spoonful of the vegetables and a few pieces of beef.

Enjoy this classic French dish — pot-au-feu is a wonderfully flavorful and comforting way to warm up on a cold winter night. Bon appetit!