Beef Bourguignon, Julia Child’s iconic French stew, is a dish that speaks of rich flavors, tender beef, and a comforting depth that’s perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in. You might have seen the movies, read the books, or even watched Julia herself crafting this masterpiece. But as you prepare to bring this classic to your own table, the question arises: What To Serve With Beef Bourguignon to truly elevate the meal?
This isn’t just any stew; it’s a culinary experience. To complement its robust character, you need side dishes that harmonize with its richness without overshadowing it. Let’s explore the best accompaniments to make your Beef Bourguignon dinner unforgettable.
Julia Child preparing Beef Bourguignon, highlighting the dish's iconic status
Elevating Your Beef Bourguignon Meal: Side Dish Essentials
Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon is undeniably worth the effort. Its symphony of fork-tender beef, luscious red wine sauce, and earthy vegetables is a testament to classic French cooking. But to make it a complete and balanced meal, choosing the right side dishes is crucial. The goal is to select pairings that enhance the stew’s flavors and provide textural contrast.
Classic and Comforting Sides
For a truly traditional experience, sticking to classic side dishes is always a winning strategy. These options are not only time-tested but also perfectly complement the hearty nature of Beef Bourguignon.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort
Mashed potatoes are arguably the most popular and perfect pairing for Beef Bourguignon. Their creamy, buttery texture provides a delightful contrast to the rich, savory stew. The gravy from the Bourguignon seeps into the fluffy potatoes, creating an irresistible combination.
For an extra touch, consider making your mashed potatoes with roasted garlic or incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary to subtly echo the flavors in the stew.
Buttered Egg Noodles: A Hearty Embrace
Buttered egg noodles are another classic choice that beautifully soaks up the flavorful red wine sauce of Beef Bourguignon. Their slightly chewy texture and mild flavor make them an excellent base for the stew, offering a comforting and satisfying element to the meal.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives can add a touch of freshness and visual appeal to the noodles.
Crusty Bread: For Savoring Every Last Drop
No Beef Bourguignon experience is complete without crusty bread. A good baguette or artisan bread is essential for soaking up every last drop of the delicious sauce. The crisp crust and soft interior provide a textural contrast to the tender beef and vegetables, making each bite a delight.
Consider serving a variety of breads, such as sourdough or French bread, to offer different flavors and textures.
A skillet of sautéed mushrooms, a key ingredient in Beef Bourguignon, showcasing its earthy component
Fresh and Vibrant Vegetable Sides
To balance the richness of Beef Bourguignon, incorporating fresh and vibrant vegetable sides is highly recommended. These options not only add nutritional value but also introduce contrasting flavors and textures that brighten the palate.
Green Peas: A Touch of Sweetness and Color
Julia Child herself suggested serving Beef Bourguignon with green peas, and for good reason. Their slight sweetness and vibrant green color provide a lovely contrast to the deep, savory stew. Whether you choose classic buttered peas or opt for a more sophisticated pea puree, they offer a refreshing counterpoint.
Roasted Root Vegetables: Earthy Harmony
Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes (in addition to mashed potatoes) create an earthy harmony with Beef Bourguignon. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds a caramelized depth that complements the stew’s rich flavors. Tossing them with herbs like thyme or rosemary further enhances the connection to the Bourguignon.
Green Salad with Vinaigrette: Light and Refreshing
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is an excellent way to cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew. The acidity of the vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the Bourguignon, preparing your taste buds for the next flavorful bite.
Opt for mixed greens, and consider adding elements like shaved fennel, radish, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added texture and flavor complexity.
Wine Pairings: Completing the French Experience
Since Beef Bourguignon is a quintessential French dish, selecting a complementary French wine is a natural choice to elevate your dining experience. The red wine used in the stew itself provides a clue to excellent pairings.
Burgundy: A Classic Match
A Burgundy wine, particularly a Pinot Noir, is a classic pairing for Beef Bourguignon. Burgundy is even mentioned in the recipe as a suitable wine for cooking. Its earthy notes, bright acidity, and red fruit flavors harmonize beautifully with the stew’s rich flavors and tender beef. A lighter-bodied Burgundy won’t overpower the dish, while still complementing its complexity.
Côtes du Rhône: Robust and Flavorful
Côtes du Rhône, another French red wine, offers a more robust and spicy profile that also pairs wonderfully with Beef Bourguignon. Its blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes creates a wine with notes of dark fruit, herbs, and spice, which stand up well to the stew’s richness.
Beaujolais: A Lighter Red Option
Beaujolais, a lighter-bodied red wine made from Gamay grapes, is another option mentioned in the original recipe. While lighter than Burgundy or Côtes du Rhône, a good Beaujolais can still complement Beef Bourguignon, especially if you prefer a less intense wine pairing. Its fruity and fresh character can provide a pleasant contrast to the stew’s depth.
A ladle scooping Beef Bourguignon, emphasizing the rich sauce and tender beef
Beyond the Sides: Appetizers and Desserts
To create a truly memorable Beef Bourguignon feast, consider adding a thoughtful appetizer and dessert to your menu.
Appetizer Suggestions:
- French Onion Soup: Start with another French classic! A rich and savory French onion soup sets the stage perfectly for the main course.
- Cheese and Charcuterie Board: Offer a selection of French cheeses, cured meats, and olives for a simple yet elegant starter.
- Salad Lyonnaise: A frisée salad with bacon, croutons, and a poached egg provides a flavorful and textural appetizer that aligns with French cuisine.
Dessert Ideas:
- Chocolate Mousse: A classic French chocolate mousse is a decadent and delightful way to end the meal. Its rich and airy texture provides a contrast to the hearty stew.
- Crème brûlée: The caramelized sugar crust and creamy custard of crème brûlée offer a sophisticated and satisfying dessert.
- Fruit Tarte Tatin: A caramelized apple tart Tatin provides a warm and comforting dessert with a touch of sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the meal.
Making it a Meal: Putting it All Together
When planning what to serve with beef bourguignon, remember the goal is balance and harmony. Choose side dishes that complement the stew’s rich flavors and offer textural and flavor contrasts. Whether you opt for classic mashed potatoes and green peas or explore roasted root vegetables and a fresh salad, the right pairings will elevate your Beef Bourguignon from a delicious stew to an unforgettable dining experience.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect combinations. The beauty of Beef Bourguignon is its versatility and ability to be enhanced by thoughtful accompaniments. Bon appétit!
