Facebook
Twitter
RSS
Changing America’s tastebuds: Audio slideshow, interactive timeline of Julia
Child
Photo gallery: Julia Child, ‘Julie and Julia’
10 reasons to love Julia Child
French cooking: Tribute to Julia Child in Tequesta
Julie loves Julia for accepting mistakes
Perhaps one of the most famous Child dishes, this stew also figures prominently in the Julie & Julia movie. Here’s the recipe — just as it appears in Mastering the Art of French Cooking (Alfred A. Knopf), now in its 49th printing.
Boeuf à la Bourguignonne (Beef Stew in Red Wine, with Bacon, Onions and Mushrooms)
As is the case with most famous dishes, there are more ways than one to arrive at a good beef bourguignon.
Carefully done, and perfectly flavored, it is certainly one of the most delicious beef dishes concocted by man, and can well be the main course for a buffet dinner. Fortunately you can prepare it completely ahead, even a day in advance, and it only gains in flavor when reheated.
Vegetable and wine suggestions: Boiled potatoes are traditionally served with this dish. Buttered noodles or steamed rice may be substituted. If you also wish a green vegetable, buttered peas would be your best choice. Serve with the beef a fairly full-bodied, young red wine, such as Beaujolais, Cotes du Rhone, Bordeaux-St. Emillion or Burgundy.
Boeuf à la Bourguignonne
For 6 people
6-ounce chunk of bacon
9- to 10-inch fireproof casserole, 3 inches deep
1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil
A slotted spoon
3 pounds lean stewing beef cut into 2-inch cubes
1 sliced carrot
1 sliced onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons flour
3 cups of a full-bodied, young red wine such as one of those suggested for serving, or a Chianti
2 to 3 cups brown beef stock or canned beef bouillon
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cloves mashed garlic
1/2 teaspoon thyme
Crumbled bay leaf
Blanched bacon rind
18 to 24 small white onions, brown-braised in stock
1 pound quartered fresh mushrooms sautéed in butter
Parsley sprigs
Remove rind and cut bacon into lardons (sticks, ¼-inch thick and 1½ inches long). Simmer rind and bacon for 10 minutes in 1½ quarts of water. Drain and dry.
Preheat oven to 450º. Sauté the bacon in the oil over moderate heat for 2 to 3 minutes to brown lightly.
Remove to a side dish with a slotted spoon. Set casserole aside. Reheat until fat is almost smoking before you sauté the beef.
Dry the beef in paper towels; it will not brown if it is damp. Sauté it, a few pieces at a time, in the hot oil and bacon fat until nicely browned on all sides. Add it to the bacon.
In the same fat, brown the sliced vegetables. Pour out the sautéing fat.
Return the beef and bacon to the casserole and toss with the salt and pepper. Then sprinkle on the flour and toss again to coat the beef lightly with the flour. Set casserole uncovered in middle position of preheated oven for 4 minutes. Toss the meat and return to oven for 4 minutes more. (This browns the flour and covers the meat with a light crust.) Remove casserole, and turn oven down to 325 degrees.
Stir in the wine and enough stock or bouillon so that the meat is barely covered. Add the tomato paste, garlic, herbs and bacon rind. Bring to simmer on top of the stove. Then cover the casserole and set in lower third of preheated oven. Regulate heat so liquid simmers very slowly for 2½ to 3 hours. The meat is done when a fork pierces it easily.
While the beef is cooking, prepare the onions and mushrooms. Set them aside until needed.
When the meat is tender, pour the contents of the casserole into a sieve set over a saucepan. Wash out the casserole and return the beef and bacon to it. Distribute the cooked onions and mushrooms over the meat.
Skim fat off the sauce. Simmer sauce for a minute or two, skimming off additional fat as it rises. You should have about 2½ cups of sauce thick enough to coat a spoon lightly. If too thin, boil it down rapidly. If too thick, mix in a few tablespoons of stock or canned bouillon. Taste carefully for seasoning. Pour the sauce over the meat and vegetables.
Recipe may be completed in advance to this point.
For immediate serving: Cover the casserole and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, basting the meat and vegetables with the sauce several times. Serve in its casserole, or arrange the stew on a platter surrounded with potatoes, noodles or rice, and decorated with parsley.
For later serving: When cold, cover and refrigerate. About 15 to 20 minutes before serving, bring to a simmer, cover and simmer very slowly for 10 minutes, occasionally basting the meat and vegetables with the sauce
As moviegoers will see in Julie & Julia, Child enjoyed a good cocktail. And she was partial to Noilly Prat, which is considered the classic French vermouth. So, she created an “upside-down martini” — essentially, a martini that puts more emphasis on the vermouth than the gin. “It’s a nice refreshing drink. I usually have two,” Child once said of this creation.
Upside-Down Martini
5 parts Noilly Prat
1 part gin
Put ice in a wine glass. Fill with Noilly Prat and top with gin. Garnish with a twist of lemon.
Saw the movie last night and I wanted to see the stew name in print. I thought the movie was a real insight and a good education for me. Once again I found that Movie Critics pretty much talk just to here themselves talk and don’t talk for the masses.
Thanks for printing the receipt for food and drink. Good job.
I totally agree that these critics and I use it lightly do talk to hear themselves talk. The movie was great,
I saw the movie yesterday and it was fabulous! I was so inspired to cook some french recipes, so I will go to the library tomorrow and get the book and have a great time creating Julia Childs recipes. I love to cook and I did cook Beef Bourguignonne about 24 years ago, but not Julia’s, so I am so excited.
I saw the movie last night, funniest i’ve seen in a long time, i loved Julia Child and Meryl Streep did herself really proud in this role, she always does, but this time …..stunning, funny, classy,
and will make this dish for my new beau !!!! way to his heart, I think…..
I saw the movie today with my sis and LOVED it! I was too young to appreciate Julia Child when she was in her prime. I truly believe that this movie has re-booted her character, her recipes, and her love for FOOD! I am new to cooking, and I look forward to learning with the great Julia!
I too saw the movie this weekend with a dear friend. Like the blogs above, I was too young to appreciate Julia in her prime. Meryl Streep has to be one of the most talented actresses of our time. While I love to cook, I am not a schooled cook. I am dying to try this recipe and have planned a dinner party with friends this coming Saturday. Wish me luck!
Hi Of course you WILL have a great dinner-good luck anyway! Any ideas how I can succeed with a fine recipe while substituting ??? for the bacon. Thanx ann
Hi
I too saw the movie last night and thought it was wonderful. I am going to make this dish tomorrw for some friends. I was worried about the bacon part but found that the deli in our local upscale supermarket had bacon and cut it for me!! He even gave me the rind.
Wish me luck!!
Gail
dont try to substitute bacon
Please advise a substitute for the bacon -heart + gall bladder say No to bacon as does my Doc. Thanx ASAP Ann words will never be enough to describe Julia her graciousness and voice and talents.
No one can ever replace Julia’s graciousness,voice, and talent. All in all would love to eat-prepare this fabulous dish BUT Doc says No as does gall bladder and heart (chlosterol).So what can be used as a bacon substitute(ANY bacon flavoring)?What would Julia do? thanx ann
Hi Ann -
Would turkey bacon be an option? I don’t know if that works for your stomach?
Maybe just try it without bacon? Use butter instead!!!!!(:-)
Good luck!
I loved the movie too – saw it with my oldest friend – We grew up in Cambridge, MA – Our Mothers shopped at the same store as Julia!
saw the movie with my daughter, I don’t cook anymore. my husband likes too! cooked for a family of eight at one time! However after the movie went out and bought ingredients for brochetta! was excited thursday its beef bourguinonne!!!!! as usual i too thought meryl streep was fantastic as was the entire cast the movie will be one to watch again and again! bon apetit!
I love cooking & will try out my version of Beef Bourguignonne this evening with a slight cajun flair. Think of it as Julia Child in Like Water for Chocolate!
You can use smoked turkey instead of bacon. I saw the film yesterday with a dear friend yesterday. We went to tea after wards
and had the Paris tea in honor of the film. I really pretty much everything about it. I had fallen out with Meryl Streep as an actress because she was just around too much, but here I really loved and do not believe that anyone else could have done Julia justice. Looking forward to upping my game in the kitchen with some French entrees… Bon Apetit!
You can use smoked turkey instead of bacon. I saw the film with a dear friend yesterday. We went to tea afterwards and discussed the film for one hour!We also had the Paris tea in honor of the film. I reall enjoyed everything about it. I had fallen out with Meryl Streep as an actress because she was just around too much, but here I really loved her in this role, and do not believe that anyone else could have done Julia justice and Amy Adams is an absolute wonder. Looking forward to upping my game in the kitchen with some French entrees… Bon Apetit!
What is the name of the butter “ba ______” I would like to find how she said to make it–I think it involved reducing down wine and vinegar and letting the acid work out the milk. I can’t wait to buy the DVD. It is a must buy.
Thanks,
Terry
I came home inspired and googled until I found the recipe for Beurre Blanc. It is the most infused, wonderful explosion in your mouth. It was first made by peasants in the woods. I found out that the authentic method is to not add cream and let it cook clear. That is the way I made it. I am glad I researched a little or I would have thought it was ruined. I didn’t add cream–however, I can’t wait to try it. Now, to find fresh scallops and shrimp to put with Beurre Blanc. Today I am going to make the chocolate and almond cake. What a perfect cake for my husband who doesn’t like pecans. I know—who doesn’t like pecans?
Terry
Beurre Blanc – can also be made with a crisp white wine – and simmer shallots in it as it reduces…unbelieveable over fish or chicken; it makes the shallots sweet.
Saw the movie yesterday for the third time. I loved it! Today went to Barne’s and Noble and ordered the book . Have another one of her books, but it didn’t have the recipe from the movie. I want to make it and have my family go ‘YUM’.
I saw the movie last week with my daughter and one of my favorite friends of hers. This movie is one that one should see with their daughters (if they cook, of course) since it will create such a wonderful memory of the evening. It’s funny, witty and sentimental in many ways. I was so impressed with Merril’s portrayal of Julia and though I must admit that I don’t remember the actress that portrayed Julie, we will after she wins the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress!
The move was delightful and the book simply facinating to me! It was amazing how she was able to recall so many details of her life and she was so passionate about food, wine and life! I had an opportunity to sit down with her at a private winery in Napa and I’ll never forget how warm and friendly she was. I used to watch her on t.v. as a young girl and was very interested in her teaching. It is neat to have a cookbook signed by her…she wrote: To Julia E. from Julia C.!
I too saw the movie and absolutely loved it. I went out and bought the book. Love it! My maiden name is the same as yours. Where are you from?
I thought the movie was fabulous! It does inspire you to cook and try to make some of the famous french cuisine.
I just got home from the movie and I loved it. I grew up watching Julia Child. Meryl Streep does a great job portraying her. I just wanted to get the recipe and see how complicated it is. I think I can make this. I don’t know where I will get the chunk of bacon. I doubt the have it at my local Kroger.
Chris, I am going to go to my butcher for the chunk of bacon. If you have one in your town that would be my reccommendation.
Girlfriends had a Birthday party for me and suprised me with the main meal to be Boeuf a la Bourguignonne. What a delicious dish tasted wonderful. I have the recipe and will make the dish for my family one night.
Trying the recipe for the Beef Bourguignonne. Not sure how Julie made all these recipes after working all day. It is Saturday and it has taken me most of the day to make this recipe. Serving it tonite. Let’s hope it tastes as good as it looks and smells. I did used thick sliced bacon as no available butcher.
Loved the movie. Oscar performances!
Great Movie!! I saw it last week with my boyfriend’s 89yr. old Mom and this week with my Boyfriend. I am going to make the Beef Bourguignonne. I am not a cook. I love to bake! However, gotta try it now!
When I was lettle I remember seeing Julia Child on TV -good show, funny lady-and the movie was well a feel good movie-makes you want to cook cook cook!!
Is there anything Meryl Streep can’t do? funny funny movie for her-should be Oscar buzz for this one
What a wonderful movie!!! My dear friend and I saw it and we both loved it. Can’t wait to try the Beef Bourguignonne. Looked sooo yummy when they were making it.
Loved the movie I am currently enrolled in a cooking school and found the movie most inspiring. I’m looking for the original book “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” the same book that was used in the movie, can’t seem to find it. I would like to try the receipes as Julie did not all in one yr that is. But I feel you have to appreciate the art of cooking to appreciate the book. Great movie.
Got the book on Amazon. Take off the jacket and voila, there it is. The original, published in the 60′s costs between $500 -$800)
Saw this movie last evening. What Fun! Meryl Streep “was” Julia Child. The connection between the two Julia(e)s was wonderful. Of course, I’ll be making the Boeuf a la Bourguignonne, why not? I agree, if you appreciate the art of cooking the movie means so much more.
i saw the movie two times and it was great it relay makes me want to cook.julia child is an insperation.
I saw this movie over the weekend and I really loved it. Am definitely going to try out the Boeuf Bourgiguonne recipe. I think it’s going to take quiet a bit of time, so I’m planning to try it on Friday, when I’m off from work. I think thick-cut bacon will work out fine. I will post my results on Saturday!
I am in the process of cooking beef bouginoin (whatever) it is a hard receipe to follow let you know how it turns out it’s 10:00 and I’ve got 2 hours to go. I saw the movie 2 weeks ago with 12 friends we all dressed as chef’s except for two who dressed as Julia (in drag) we had a wonderful evening after the movie we cooked a four course dinner all Julia Child receipes. Loved the movie!!
I love, love, loved the movie. My tastebuds were sopping wet for a baguette and aching to try the Beouf Bourgignon! I loved the love passion for food and the love relationships portrayed in the movie. Everything always tastes better when you put your love in it!!!
We saw the movie last week and really enjoyed it. The girl who plays Julie was cute and played a good part. We’re going to make the Boeuf a la Bourguignoone soon.
Saw the movie yesterday with 3 girlfriends. We all loved it! And now we are planning a dinner and I will make the Boeuf a la Bourguignonne myself. Thanks for putting up the recipe for it. And the Upside Down Martini will have to be on the menu as well!
The movie brought back so many memories. I was a young woman learning to cook when the series ran. I remember Julia teaching me how to select and use knives and that no recipe should be daunting. My poor husband graciously lived through “spice of the month” until I got to rosemary! Julia taught me to love cooking. I still do. I never did buy all those copper pots she so cherished but many of my utensils came into my kitchen because of her.
I saw this movie today with my bestfriend,it was ah-mazing. They couldn’t have picked a better Julie&Julia. I can’t wait to read their books/ try out the recipes!
i SAW THE MOVIE LAST NIGHT AND IT WAS THE BEST ONE I HAVE SEEN IN A LONG TIME. MERYL STREEP OUTDID HERSELF AS DID AMY. I LOVED IT.
I saw the movie today and loved it, I am a great cook but not Julia child great. I don’t eat beef but I think I have to try this dish, for a special date this next week end.Loved Meryl Streep, love Julia child.
My husband & I saw the movie last week and liked it so much we will probably see it again. About 20 years ago I took a cooking class in Santa Barbara, CA at the home of one of Julias friends, I learned how to bone a turkey and make a frozen chocolate mousse. They were both big hits. I miss Julia’s shows and her more than I realized. Hope they bring back some of her shows.
Are her tv shows out on DVD. I would love to have them!
Yes, they are available on DVD. A friend of mine bought them at Sam’s….I’m sure you can find them online also…good luck!!
what if you do not eat any pork???? turkey bacon ok? what about that rind?
ps- the movie justs leaves you begging to make this dish!
Hi
Glad to see that all of you loved the movie as I did. I am preparing myself to make the Boeup A la bourguignonne. Do any of you know what a 6 ounce chunk of bacon is and where to buy it?
Susan
I first saw the movie with my girlfriend. I loved it so much. I did not want it to end. Then my husband and I went again. He loved it too. I cannot wait to try out these recipes. I am going to try to make the Boeuf a la Bourguignonne tonight. Wish me luck. Susie
Love the move!!!! I just saw it the other day with my husband and I’m even more inspired to cook than I was before. I can’t wait to try the Boeuf Bourguignonne. Thank you for posting the recipe.
Yesterday was my 9th wedding anniversary and I chose to skip the usual great dinner in a special restaurant and went to see the movie with my husband and LOVE IT and of course after the movie went out for drinks and I had two gimlets! I love to cook and am so ready to cook some of Julia’s recipes.
The movie was wonderful and it’s nice that so many people are getting together w/friends now after seeing the movie and cooking and enjoying each other’s company.
Have seen the movie twice now and will see it again. Needless to say, my husband wants me to cook the beef receipe soon! What a pleasure to see a movie of this magnitude. We want more!
Loved Loved the movie! I used to make Beef Bourguignonne with my Dads recipe and there was NO bacon, so Ann, try the recipe without I am sure it ill be great. I on the other hnd am going to try Julias with Bacon so we will see!
What size dutch oven should be used? I don’t own one, but would like to try the recipe and need the correct size. Thanks.
The recipe is for 6 people…so my guess is a 5 quart casserole! Good luck!!
SAW THE MOVIE. IT WAS GREAT. THE VERY NEXT DAY JULIA WAS ON PBS FOR 3 HOURS. HER OLD WEEKLY SHOWS. JUST GREAT. THEY ASKED HER WHAT SHE DID WITH SOME OF THE SCRAPS….THREW THEM ON THE FLOOR AS SHE WIPED THE COUNTER DOWN. OR WHAT HAPPENED WHEN A PIECE OF THE PREPARED DISH FELL ON THE FLOOR. PICKED IT UP AND SAID WHO KNOWS, YOU’RE COOKING BY YOURSELF!!! JUST WONDERFUL HUMOR.
Loved, loved, LOVED the movie!! As always, Meryl Streep is amazing and Amy Adams is darling (although they DID clean up Julie’s mouth for the movie)! This will be the first recipe I try when I find an enameled casserole that doesn’t cost an arm & a leg!!
WE SAW THE MOVIE 3 MOMS AND OUR 3 HIGH SCHOOL FRESHAN GIRLS. WE LOVED IT AND HAVE DECIDED TO TRY HAVING A COOKOFF WITH ALL OF US.THE MOVIE HAS EVEN INSPIRED THE GIRLS TO LEARN THE ART OF COOKING AND THAT HAS ALOT TO SAY IN TODAYS DAY AND AGE. CANT WAIT….
I saw the movie twice. Absolutely wonderful. I think Meryl Streep is a better Julia Child than Julia. Will get the DVD too. Can’t wait to try the Boeff “whatchamacallit”.
I went to see the movie with my 11 year old daughter (her movie choice for a rainy afternoon) We both loved it and it has inspired her to try new recipes – she is generally very finicky. Thanks for posting the recipe. We will be trying it soon.
Saw the movie with friends. We immediately decided to start a dinner club. Once a month one of us will make the entree at our house and the others will bring the sides or dessert. I am first up and am making this recipie. I hope it turns out! I have been practicing my Julia speak all week so I am ready for Sunday.
I saw the movie last night with friends. I was pleasantly surprised to have not only enjoyed the performance and the story, but to have genuinely laughed more than once. I wanted to find this receipe as soon as I could.. I was starving after having seen it made and want to make it myself! Thanks for posting it!