Easy Chestnut Mushroom Bourguignon Recipe

Chestnut Mushroom Bourguignon is a comforting and hearty vegetarian twist on the classic French dish, Beef Bourguignon. This recipe swaps meat for meaty chestnut mushrooms, which provide a satisfying texture and rich, umami flavor. Simmered in a luscious red wine-based sauce with aromatic vegetables and herbs, this dish is perfect for cozy dinners, special occasions, or as an impressive meal for guests. The recipe is pure vegetarian and can be easily made vegan by substituting butter with plant-based alternatives. Serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread for a soul-warming experience.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisines: French, Vegetarian
• Course: Main Course
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per serving

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Time: 30 minutes
• Resting Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 500g chestnut mushrooms, halved or quartered if large
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (use plant-based butter for a vegan option)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced into thin rounds
• 2 celery sticks, diced
• 1 cup red wine (choose a good-quality vegetarian wine)
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Equipment

• Large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
• Wooden spoon
• Chef’s knife
• Chopping board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the mushrooms in batches to avoid overcrowding and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
2. Cook until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned, about 8 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
2. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
3. Let the wine simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Simmer the Bourguignon

1. Add the vegetable stock, soy sauce, sugar, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
2. Return the mushrooms to the pan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Cover the skillet and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

1. If a thicker sauce is desired, whisk the flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry.
2. Stir the slurry into the bourguignon and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the bay leaf and let the bourguignon rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 8g
• Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 10mg (use vegan butter to eliminate)
• Sodium: 480mg

Tips for Success

• Choose Fresh Mushrooms: Opt for firm and fresh chestnut mushrooms for the best texture and flavor.
• Deglaze Properly: Scraping the browned bits from the skillet after sautéing the vegetables ensures a deeply flavorful sauce.
• Adjust Consistency: For a lighter sauce, skip the flour. For a richer sauce, let the liquid reduce further while simmering.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and ensure the wine is vegan.

Serving Suggestions

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Buttery pasta (e.g., tagliatelle or pappardelle)
• Crusty artisan bread
• Steamed green beans or peas as a side

Chestnut Mushroom Bourguignon is a celebration of flavors and textures that brings the essence of French cuisine to your table without the need for meat. This recipe is both elegant and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for weeknight meals or dinner parties. Enjoy this vegetarian classic that warms both the heart and soul!