Ep 20. The French Chef: Beef In Red Wine

The French Chef with Julia Child season 4 episode 20, titled "Beef in Red Wine," follows Julia as she prepares a classic French dish known as "Boeuf Bourguignon." This hearty stew features tender chunks of beef slow-cooked in red wine with onions, bacon, and mushrooms. Julia begins by discussing the cut of meat, explaining that this dish is best made with a less expensive, tougher cut of beef that benefits from the long cooking time. She then demonstrates how to properly brown the beef in a hot pan, creating a flavorful crust that adds dimension to the final dish.

After the beef is browned, Julia sets it aside and begins cooking the onions, garlic, and bacon in the same pan. She emphasizes the importance of using the same pan to retain all the delicious flavors throughout the cooking process. Once the onions and bacon are cooked, she adds the beef back into the pan along with herbs, tomato paste, and of course, red wine. Julia explains that the wine should be a full-bodied, robust red wine that can stand up to the other flavors in the dish.

With everything in the pot, Julia lets the stew simmer for several hours on a low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender and flavorful. Throughout the cooking process, Julia provides helpful tips and techniques, such as the proper way to slice mushrooms and how to skim off excess fat from the stew. She also shares her personal preference for serving the dish with boiled potatoes and crusty bread.

While the stew is simmering, Julia takes a moment to make a salad with a homemade vinaigrette, using techniques such as emulsification to create a smooth, stable dressing. She also shares a simple technique for peeling and segmenting oranges for the salad, adding a bright pop of flavor and color to the meal.

As the meal comes together, Julia sets a cozy table for two and invites her husband, Paul, to join her for dinner. They enjoy the rich, savory Boeuf Bourguignon together, savoring each bite and discussing the flavors and techniques that went into creating the dish. Julia closes the episode by encouraging viewers to try this classic French recipe at home, assuring them that with a little patience and attention to detail, anyone can create a delicious meal that rivals those found at the finest French restaurants.