Learn how to make this classic French red wine stew by chef Ludo Lefebvre.
How to Make It
Heat 1/2 cup grapeseed oil in a large enameled cast-iron Dutch oven over medium-high. Add beef in batches, cooking until browned on all sides. Return beef to pan. Reduce heat to medium, and add bouquet garni and garlic cloves. Let simmer a few minutes. Stir in flour.
Add wine and fond de veau. Season with salt and white pepper. Skim fat from surface. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer. Cover and cook 3 hours, stirring and skimming occasionally.
Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium. Stir in 1/2 cup water and sugar. Add onions, and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, about 10 minutes. Keep warm.
Heat remaining 3 tablespoons grapeseed oil in a second medium skillet over medium. Add bacon and mushrooms, and cook, stirring often, until bacon fat is rendered and mushrooms are lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Discard fat; add bacon and mushrooms to onions.
When beef is cooked through and very tender, remove and discard bouquet garni. Stir onions, bacon, and mushrooms into beef mixture, and simmer a few minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve very hot with steamed potatoes or pasta.