fresh herbs to taste - fresh thymeoregano, bay leaf, fresh parsley
Instructions
Set your Instant Pot to Saute setting and fry the bacon in the inner pot until lightly crispy (5-7 minutes)
Once fried, move slightly to the side inside the instant pot, and add garlic cloves, red wine, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Allow to come to a boil for a few minutes.
Add rooster, carrots, onions, mushrooms and herbs to your instant pot.
Press cancel, stir with a wooden spoon, then close with the lid and set the pressure release valve to "sealing. Set timer for a cook time of 30 minutes on high pressure.
After the timer is finished, allow to release naturally.
Once all pressure is released, mix water and cornstarch together and add this cornstarch slurry to the instant pot.
Set to sauté function and allow sauce to come to a quick boil to thicken up a bit.
Video
Notes
Use Quality Ingredients: Since Coq au Vin is a relatively simple dish, the quality of your ingredients will really shine through. Opt for fresh herbs, good quality wine, and if possible, free-range chicken or rooster.
Substitute Chicken: If a rooster is unavailable, you can substitute a chicken. Make sure to adjust cooking time, a chicken cooks faster and will not need to be cooked for as long as a rooster does.
Use the Right Wine: Traditionally, Coq au Vin is made with a red Burgundy wine. However, you can use any good quality red wine that you enjoy drinking. The wine you choose will influence the flavor of the dish, so choose one that complements the other ingredients well.
Include Aromatics: Aromatics such as onions, garlic, carrots, and herbs like thyme and bay leaves are essential for adding depth of flavor to Coq au Vin. Don't skimp on these ingredients, as they form the flavor base of the dish.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste your Coq au Vin before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may need to add a pinch of salt or a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors.
Garnish Thoughtfully: Garnish your Coq au Vin with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor just before serving. This adds a fresh contrast to the rich, hearty flavors of the dish.
Storage
Cooling Properly: After cooking, allow the Coq au Vin to cool to room temperature before storing it.
Refrigeration: Transfer the cooled Coq au Vin to an airtight container or a shallow, wide dish covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator.
Use Within a Few Days: Coq au Vin can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date it was prepared so you can keep track of its freshness.
Reheating: When ready to reheat, transfer the Coq au Vin to a saucepan or oven-safe dish. Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stovetop or in the oven until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave if needed.
Freezing: If you want to store Coq au Vin for a longer period, it can be frozen. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Leave some room for expansion as the liquid will expand when frozen. Properly stored, Coq au Vin can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing: Thaw frozen Coq au Vin overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This allows for gradual thawing and helps maintain the quality of the dish. Once thawed, reheat following the same instructions as above.