Pot-au-Feu
Pot-au-Feu, meaning 'pot on the fire,' is a quintessential French family meal. This classic dish features tender, slow-cooked beef and root vegetables simmered in a rich, aromatic broth. It's traditionally served in two courses: first the flavorful broth, followed by the succulent meats and vegetables.
๐ง Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef chuck roast(A well-marbled cut like chuck roast or brisket works best for tenderness.)
- 4 pieces Beef marrow bones(Ask your butcher to cut them in half lengthwise to expose the marrow.)
- 500 g Oxtail(Adds depth and richness to the broth.)
- 4 medium Leeks(Trim off the dark green tops and root ends, then wash thoroughly to remove grit.)
- 6 medium Carrots(Peeled and cut into large chunks.)
- 4 medium Turnips(Peeled and cut into large chunks.)
- 6 medium Potatoes(Yukon Gold or other waxy potatoes, peeled and left whole or halved if large.)
- 1 bunch Bouquet garni(Typically consists of parsley stems, thyme sprigs, and a bay leaf, tied together.)
- 1 tablespoon Whole black peppercorns
- to taste Salt
- enough to cover liters Water
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Prepare the meats: Place the beef chuck, marrow bones, and oxtail in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Cover generously with cold water (about 3-4 liters or enough to submerge everything by at least an inch). Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. As soon as it boils, reduce the heat to low and meticulously skim off any foam, scum, and impurities that rise to the surface using a fine-mesh sieve or a large spoon. This step is crucial for a clear and clean-tasting broth.
โฑ๏ธ 30 minutes - 2
Begin the simmer: Add the bouquet garni and the tablespoon of whole black peppercorns to the pot. Season lightly with salt (you will adjust seasoning later). Bring the liquid back to a bare simmer, then cover the pot partially, leaving a small gap for steam to escape. Maintain this gentle simmer, ensuring no vigorous boiling occurs, for at least 3 hours. The meat should become tender but not yet fall apart.
โฑ๏ธ 3 hours - 3
Add the vegetables: After 3 hours of simmering, add the prepared leeks, carrots, and turnips to the pot. Continue to simmer gently for another 45 minutes, or until these root vegetables are tender but still hold their shape. Be careful not to overcook them.
โฑ๏ธ 45 minutes - 4
Add the potatoes: Add the potatoes to the pot and continue to simmer for a final 20-30 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. They cook faster than the other root vegetables.
โฑ๏ธ 30 minutes - 5
Rest and season: Once all ingredients are tender, carefully remove the meats and vegetables from the pot using a slotted spoon or spider strainer and arrange them on a large platter. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot or heatproof bowls. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. If there is excess fat on the surface, you can skim it off now.
โฑ๏ธ 15 minutes - 6
Serve: Ladle the hot, clear broth into individual soup bowls and serve as a first course. For the second course, present the platter of tender beef and vegetables. Serve with Dijon mustard, cornichons (small gherkins), and crusty bread for a complete and traditional Pot-au-Feu experience.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โMaintain a gentle simmer throughout the cooking process; never allow the pot to boil vigorously, as this will cloud the broth and toughen the meat.
- โSkim the surface diligently during the initial boil and the first hour of simmering to remove impurities and achieve a crystal-clear broth.
- โThe dish is traditionally served in two courses: first the broth, then the meats and vegetables.
- โFor easier serving, you can cut the larger pieces of meat and vegetables into serving-sized portions before arranging them on the platter.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Substitute other cuts of beef like brisket or short ribs.
- Add other root vegetables such as parsnips or celery root.
- Serve with a horseradish cream sauce or a bรฉarnaise sauce on the side.
- Include a whole onion studded with cloves for added aroma in the broth.