Julia Season 1 Episode 3 Beef Bourguignon

Julia season 1 episode 3 - Beef Bourguignon:

In this episode, Julia Child teaches us how to make the classic French dish, beef bourguignon.

Julia begins by explaining to her audience what beef bourguignon is and why it's such a special meal. She tells us that it's a traditional French stew made with beef that has been slowly cooked in red wine with onions, carrots, and mushrooms. She explains that the dish is typically served with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Julia then takes us step-by-step through the process of preparing the beef bourguignon. She first browns the beef in a hot skillet with butter and olive oil until it's seared on all sides. She then sets the beef aside and adds sliced onions, garlic, and bacon to the skillet. She cooks the onions until they're softened and translucent, then adds in diced carrots and mushrooms. She explains that this mixture is known as a mirepoix and is the base for many French dishes.

Next, Julia pours in a bottle of red wine and beef stock, along with a bouquet garni (a bundle of herbs that includes thyme, parsley, and bay leaves). She explains that the bouquet garni will add flavor to the stew without leaving any pieces of herbs in the final dish. Julia brings the mixture to a boil, then turns the heat down and lets it simmer for several hours. She notes that the longer the beef bourguignon simmers, the more tender and flavorful the beef will be.

While the stew is cooking, Julia shows us how to prepare the garnishes for the dish. She slices baguette into thin rounds, then spreads them with butter and tops them with grated gruyere cheese. She then broils them until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Finally, after several hours of simmering, Julia removes the bouquet garni from the beef bourguignon. She gathers some of the stew in a bowl and shows us how to identify the different flavors in the dish - the richness of the beef, the sweetness of the carrots, and the savoriness of the mushrooms. She then serves the stew with the baguette toasts on top and a side of mashed potatoes.

Throughout the episode, Julia offers tips and tricks for making the perfect beef bourguignon. She suggests using a higher-quality wine for the dish, as well as using chuck roast instead of stew meat for a better texture. She also recommends cooking the dish a day ahead of time and reheating it before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Overall, this episode of Julia is a fantastic introduction to the classic French dish of beef bourguignon. Julia's clear instructions and helpful tips make the recipe accessible to even beginner cooks, while still offering plenty of information for more experienced home chefs. The end result is a delicious and hearty meal that's sure to impress any dinner guests.