Coq au vin, a traditional French dish, is a flavorful and hearty chicken stew that is perfect for any occasion. It is a dish that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for many years. While it is a simple dish to prepare, it is robust and offers a depth of flavor that is hard to resist.
If you are wondering what goes well with coq au vin, you are not alone. Many people struggle with deciding what to serve with this classic dish. In this article, we will explore some of the best side dishes and accompaniments that can be served with coq au vin to take your dining experience to the next level.
Traditional Pairings: Classic Side Dishes
Coq Au Vin is a classic French dish that stands out because of its unique taste and flavor. The dish is a combination of chicken cooked in red burgundy wine with vegetables and spices. A dish so rich in taste needs to be complemented with the right side dishes. Traditional pairings for Coq Au Vin consist of classic side dishes that bring out the flavors of the dish.
Mashed potatoes are one of the classic sides that go well with Coq Au Vin. The buttery, creamy mashed potatoes absorb the flavors of the Coq Au Vin and make a perfect pairing to balance out the richness of the dish. Similarly, roasted root vegetables like carrots, turnips, and parsnips bring out the natural sweetness of the chicken and add texture to the dish. The earthy flavor and soft texture of the vegetables are a great combination with the tender meat of the chicken.
The Best Wine to Serve with Coq Au Vin
When it comes to serving coq au vin, choosing the right wine can make all the difference. This classic French dish is traditionally prepared with red wine, so it’s only fitting that a good glass of red would be the perfect pairing. The most popular choice is a Pinot Noir, which is known for its light tannins and fruitiness. This wine complements the rich, robust flavors of the dish and helps to cut through the richness of the sauce. Other red wines such as Burgundy, Beaujolais, and Syrah are also excellent options.
If you prefer white wine, you can still find a suitable pairing for coq au vin. A Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc will work well, bringing a crisp acidity to the table. These wines have different flavor profiles to reds, but they’re still able to complement the dish in their own unique way. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could also try a rosé or sparkling wine. In the end, the best wine to serve with coq au vin comes down to personal preference, so don’t be afraid to experiment a little!
French-Inspired Sides: Elevated Complements
French cuisine is best known for its refined flavors and sophisticated presentation. With Coq Au Vin, it’s best to stick to traditional French-inspired sides that elevate the dish’s flavors. One of the most popular side dishes to serve with Coq Au Vin is pureed potatoes. The creamy texture of the potatoes works well with the rich flavors of the chicken stew. Mashed potatoes also act as a sponge to soak up all the delicious sauce that accompanies the dish.
Another French-inspired side dish that complements Coq Au Vin is roasted root vegetables. Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and turnips are earthy and robust, enhancing the complexity of the chicken dish. Drizzle some olive oil over the vegetables and roast them in the oven to get a caramelized finish, providing a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of Coq Au Vin. To keep things simple, you could also serve a classic French baguette on the side, allowing you to mop up all of the wine-infused sauce. A toasted baguette adds a satisfying crunch and elevates the dish’s flavor profile.
By choosing traditional french-inspired sides that elevate the flavors in Coq Au Vin, you can create a memorable and authentic culinary experience in your home.
Creative Accompaniments: Unexpected Twists
Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that is traditionally served with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, and roasted root vegetables. However, there are many creative accompaniments that can complement this rich and flavorful stew. Here are a few unexpected twists to try:
Firstly, swap out the starches and vegetables for something lighter and fresher. Try serving Coq au Vin with a crisp salad of bitter greens, sliced pears, and blue cheese. The acidity and sweetness of the salad will balance the richness of the dish and add a burst of contrasting flavors.
Secondly, consider incorporating some global flavors into the mix. Serve Coq au Vin with a side of saffron rice or couscous, seasoned with fragrant spices like cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon. Alternatively, pair the dish with a refreshing cucumber and yogurt salad, infused with mint and lemon zest. These surprising accompaniments will bring new life to an old classic.
Perfectly Balanced Meal: Proteins and Greens
Coq au Vin is a classic French dish made with chicken, red wine, bacon, onions, and mushrooms. While the dish itself is quite rich and hearty, it can be served with a variety of sides to make it a more balanced meal. One great option is to pair it with a green vegetable, such as steamed green beans or roasted asparagus. These veggies not only add a pop of color to your plate, but also provide important nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
To make the meal even more well-rounded, you could also serve it with a grain or starch, such as crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice. These options will help soak up the delicious sauce from the Coq au Vin and give you some additional carbohydrates to fuel your body. Overall, pairing Coq au Vin with some fresh greens and a grain will create a savory and filling meal that satisfies both your tastebuds and your nutritional needs.
Simplest Sides: Quick, Easy, and Flavorful
When serving Coq au Vin, the focus is often on the flavorful and hearty main dish. However, it’s important not to overlook the importance of a good side dish. The simplest sides are often the best, especially when they’re quick, easy, and full of flavor.
One classic side dish for Coq au Vin is crusty bread. This simple addition allows diners to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce. Alternatively, roasted root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips are also a great option. Roasting them with a bit of olive oil and seasoning creates a satisfying and healthy side dish that complements the rich flavors of the Coq au Vin. So, consider the easiest sides when planning your Coq au Vin meal – they can often be the ones that make the meal especially enjoyable.
A Vegetarian Twist: Sides for Coq Au Vin sans Chicken.
For all the vegetarians out there, Coq Au Vin sans Chicken is the perfect dish to try. It is a meat-free version of the classic French dish, Coq Au Vin, which traditionally uses chicken thighs. While this vegetable-based version may not have the full-on flavors of the original, it’s still incredibly delicious and healthy.
To serve alongside Coq Au Vin sans Chicken, you can opt for roasted vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Additionally, you can also serve the dish with mashed potatoes or polenta, which are both hearty and perfect for this meat-free dish. Finally, a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a lovely burst of freshness to balance the rich and savory flavors of Coq Au Vin sans Chicken, making it an ideal vegetarian twist for any dinner party or family meal.
Conclusion
Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that can be enjoyed in any season and by anyone. The dish is extremely versatile and can be served with a variety of sides like potatoes, rice, or noodles. The red wine sauce in which the chicken is cooked adds a depth of flavor that complements the chosen side dish.
Serving Coq au Vin can be a great way to impress one’s dinner guests and wow them with delicious French cuisine. With so many options for sides, it can be tailored to suit any palette. Overall, Coq au Vin is a dish that everyone should try at least once and experiment with various sides to find their perfect combination.