Coq au Vin - Croatian Style

Ingredients

While the French Coq au Vin traditionally uses red wine, this Croatian adaptation incorporates the vibrant flavors of local Croatian red wine, giving the dish a unique twist. Additionally, Croatian cuisine often includes a variety of aromatic herbs and spices, which will add depth and complexity to the flavors of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Coq au vin, so you can check it out.

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) chicken, cut into pieces 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) chicken, cut into pieces
• 200 g (7 oz) bacon, diced 200 g (7 oz) bacon, diced
• 2 onions, finely chopped 2 onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 250 g (9 oz) mushrooms, sliced 250 g (9 oz) mushrooms, sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 sprig of rosemary 1 sprig of rosemary
• 1 sprig of thyme 1 sprig of thyme
• 500 ml (2 cups) Croatian red wine 500 ml (2 cups) Croatian red wine
• 500 ml (2 cups) chicken broth 500 ml (2 cups) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking Olive oil for cooking

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (Sugars: 3g)
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In the same pot, brown the chicken on all sides until golden. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same pot, add the onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the mushrooms, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat.
6. 6.
   Return the bacon and chicken to the pot. Add the bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme.
7. 7.
   Pour in the red wine and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together.
8. 8.
   Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
9. 9.
   Serve the Croatian Coq au Vin hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Make sure to use bone-in chicken pieces for a richer flavor.
• Croatian red wine — Choose a full-bodied red wine with robust flavors to enhance the taste of the dish.
• Mushrooms — Use a combination of different mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster, for a more complex flavor profile.
• Bacon — Opt for thick-cut bacon to add a smoky and savory element to the dish.
• Herbs — Fresh herbs are preferred for the best flavor. If using dried herbs, reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

• For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in red wine overnight before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Serve the Croatian Coq au Vin with a side of pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors will continue to develop and intensify.
• Don't forget to pour yourself a glass of Croatian red wine to accompany this delicious dish!

Serving advice

Serve the Croatian Coq au Vin in deep bowls, allowing the aromatic sauce to mingle with the tender chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful juices.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, arrange the chicken pieces on a platter and spoon the vegetables and sauce over the top. Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a vibrant touch. Serve with a side of pickled vegetables for added visual appeal.