Beef bourguignon, a classic French stew, is a dish celebrated for its rich, deep flavors and tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef. This hearty and sophisticated meal is a culinary masterpiece, and selecting the right accompaniments can elevate the entire dining experience. But what exactly should you serve with this iconic dish? The answer isn’t always straightforward, as it depends on personal preferences and the overall ambiance you’re aiming to create. This comprehensive guide explores a wide range of options, from traditional sides to more creative pairings, ensuring your beef bourguignon dinner is nothing short of spectacular.
The Importance of Complementary Flavors and Textures
The key to a successful pairing lies in understanding the flavors and textures of beef bourguignon itself. The dish boasts a rich, savory broth infused with red wine, earthy mushrooms, smoky bacon (or lardons), and tender beef. The perfect side dishes should either complement or contrast these elements, creating a balanced and harmonious meal. Think about textures as well. The tender beef needs something to provide a bit of bite or crunch.
Classic and Timeless Pairings
When in doubt, sticking to the classics is always a safe bet. These traditional pairings have stood the test of time for a reason: they simply work.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are perhaps the most quintessential accompaniment to beef bourguignon. Their creamy, comforting texture provides a delightful contrast to the rich, savory stew. The potatoes act as a blank canvas, soaking up the delicious sauce and enhancing the overall experience. For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding a hint of garlic, truffle oil, or even a dollop of crème fraîche to your mashed potatoes. The key is to keep them smooth and luxurious.
Crusty Bread
A loaf of crusty bread, such as a baguette or sourdough, is an absolute essential for any beef bourguignon meal. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful sauce. The contrast between the soft interior and the crisp crust adds another layer of textural interest to the meal. You can also offer some herbed butter or a simple olive oil dip alongside the bread for added enjoyment.
Vegetable Sides: Adding Freshness and Balance
Introducing fresh vegetables can brighten the palate and cut through the richness of the beef bourguignon, creating a more balanced and satisfying meal.
Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine offers a delightful combination of crisp-tender green beans, toasted almonds, and browned butter. The slight bitterness of the green beans and the nutty crunch of the almonds provide a welcome contrast to the richness of the stew. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a touch of brightness, further enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes offer a naturally sweet and earthy counterpoint to the savory beef bourguignon. The roasting process caramelizes the vegetables, bringing out their natural sweetness and creating a pleasant textural contrast. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, herbs, and a touch of balsamic vinegar before roasting for added depth of flavor. Roasting concentrates the sweetness and adds a pleasing char.
Buttered Noodles or Egg Noodles
Buttered noodles, particularly egg noodles, are another excellent way to soak up the luscious sauce of beef bourguignon. Their slightly chewy texture and buttery flavor complement the richness of the stew perfectly. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
More Adventurous and Creative Pairings
If you’re looking to stray from the traditional path, these more adventurous pairings offer unique flavor combinations and exciting culinary experiences.
Polenta
Creamy polenta provides a comforting and subtly sweet base for beef bourguignon. Its smooth texture and mild flavor allow the stew to shine, while its inherent earthiness complements the mushrooms and other savory elements in the dish. Consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil to the polenta for added richness.
Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice pilaf offers a nutty and slightly chewy alternative to traditional rice. Its complex flavor and hearty texture provide a welcome contrast to the tender beef and rich sauce. Incorporate dried cranberries, toasted pecans, or herbs like thyme and rosemary into the pilaf for added flavor and visual appeal.
Mushroom Risotto
For a truly decadent experience, consider serving beef bourguignon over mushroom risotto. The creamy risotto, infused with earthy mushrooms and Parmesan cheese, creates a luxurious and flavorful base for the stew. This pairing is particularly well-suited for special occasions.
Salads: Adding Acidity and Contrast
A well-chosen salad can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the beef bourguignon, cleansing the palate and preparing it for the next bite.
Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
The peppery bite of arugula and the bright acidity of lemon vinaigrette create a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory stew. Add some shaved Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts for added flavor and texture. The key is to keep the vinaigrette light and zesty.
Frisee Salad with Lardons and Poached Egg
This classic French salad features bitter frisee lettuce, crispy lardons (bacon), and a perfectly poached egg. The combination of bitter, salty, and rich flavors complements the beef bourguignon beautifully. The runny egg yolk adds another layer of richness, while the crisp frisee provides a welcome textural contrast.
Beverage Pairings: Completing the Experience
No beef bourguignon meal is complete without the right beverages. Choosing the right wine, beer, or non-alcoholic drink can enhance the flavors of the dish and create a truly memorable dining experience.
Wine Pairings
Beef bourguignon, with its rich flavors and red wine base, naturally calls for a red wine pairing. The key is to choose a wine that is both full-bodied and acidic enough to cut through the richness of the stew.
- Burgundy: As the dish originates from Burgundy, France, a Burgundy wine (Pinot Noir) is a classic and harmonious pairing. Look for a wine with earthy notes and bright acidity.
- Beaujolais: A lighter-bodied red wine from the Beaujolais region of France can also be a good choice, particularly if you prefer a less intense pairing.
- Bordeaux: A Bordeaux blend, with its blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other varietals, can provide a more structured and tannic pairing.
- Other Options: Other red wines to consider include Rhône Valley wines (Syrah, Grenache) and Italian wines like Chianti Classico. Consider the tannins in the wine.
Beer Pairings
While wine is the more traditional choice, beer can also be a surprisingly good pairing for beef bourguignon. Look for beers that are rich, malty, and slightly sweet.
- Belgian Dubbel or Quadrupel: These rich, dark ales offer complex flavors of caramel, dried fruit, and spice that complement the savory stew.
- Brown Ale: A nutty and slightly sweet brown ale can also be a good choice, particularly if you prefer a less intense pairing.
- Stout: A rich, roasty stout can provide a bold and contrasting pairing, particularly if the beef bourguignon has a strong smoky flavor.
Non-Alcoholic Options
If you’re looking for non-alcoholic beverage pairings, consider options that are both flavorful and refreshing.
- Sparkling Grape Juice: A high-quality sparkling grape juice can provide a celebratory and refreshing alternative to wine.
- Cranberry Juice: The tartness of cranberry juice can cut through the richness of the stew and cleanse the palate.
- Iced Tea: A strong, unsweetened iced tea can also be a good choice, particularly if you’re serving the beef bourguignon on a warm day.
Dessert Pairings: A Sweet Ending
Completing the meal with a delightful dessert can leave a lasting impression. Choose a dessert that complements the richness of the beef bourguignon without being too heavy.
Pear Tart
A classic pear tart, with its delicate sweetness and flaky crust, provides a light and refreshing counterpoint to the savory stew. The pears’ subtle sweetness complements the wine-infused flavors of the beef bourguignon.
Chocolate Lava Cake
For a more decadent option, consider a chocolate lava cake with a molten chocolate center. The rich chocolate flavor provides a satisfying contrast to the savory stew. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Crème brûlée
Crème brûlée, with its creamy custard base and brittle caramelized sugar topping, offers a delightful textural contrast and a subtle sweetness that complements the richness of the beef bourguignon.
Consider the season and your guests’ preferences.
Presentation Matters: Creating an Appealing Plate
The way you present your beef bourguignon and its accompaniments can significantly impact the overall dining experience. Take the time to arrange the food artfully on the plate, paying attention to color, texture, and composition. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to add a pop of color and aroma. A visually appealing plate will enhance the anticipation and enjoyment of the meal.
Serving Suggestions
Consider serving the beef bourguignon in individual bowls or ramekins for a more elegant presentation. You can also serve it family-style in a large Dutch oven or casserole dish. Arrange the side dishes around the stew, creating a visually appealing and inviting display.
By carefully selecting complementary flavors, textures, and beverages, you can create a truly memorable beef bourguignon dining experience. Whether you stick to the classic pairings or venture into more adventurous territory, the key is to choose options that you and your guests will enjoy. Bon appétit!
What are the best potato side dishes to accompany Beef Bourguignon?
Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic and comforting choice. The richness of the mashed potatoes perfectly complements the hearty and savory nature of the beef bourguignon. The smooth texture also provides a pleasant contrast to the tender chunks of beef and vegetables in the stew.
Alternatively, consider roasted or scalloped potatoes. Roasted potatoes offer a rustic appeal and a delightful crispness that balances the stew’s soft components. Scalloped potatoes, with their layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce, bring a similar richness but with a more defined structure and textural variation.
Can I serve bread with Beef Bourguignon? If so, what kind is best?
Absolutely! Bread is an excellent accompaniment to Beef Bourguignon, primarily for soaking up the delicious sauce. A crusty baguette or a rustic sourdough loaf is ideal, as the firm crust and chewy interior provide a satisfying textural contrast to the tender stew.
Consider serving the bread warm or lightly toasted. This enhances its aroma and allows it to better absorb the flavorful sauce. Avoid overly sweet or flavored breads, as they may clash with the savory notes of the bourguignon.
What vegetable side dishes pair well with Beef Bourguignon?
Green beans almondine is a classic and elegant choice. The crisp-tender green beans provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich bourguignon, while the toasted almonds add a pleasant nutty flavor and textural element.
Roasted root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and turnips, are another excellent option. Their earthy sweetness complements the savory flavors of the stew, and their roasted texture provides a satisfying contrast. Consider glazing them with a touch of honey or maple syrup for added depth of flavor.
What is a good salad to serve alongside Beef Bourguignon?
A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of Beef Bourguignon. The acidity of the vinaigrette helps to cut through the fat and cleanse the palate, preparing it for the next bite.
Consider using a mix of bitter greens like arugula or frisée to add a peppery bite. You can also include some toasted nuts or crumbled cheese for added flavor and texture. Avoid creamy dressings, as they may be too heavy alongside the already rich stew.
What wine pairings complement Beef Bourguignon?
Beef Bourguignon is classically paired with red Burgundy wine, as it originates from the Burgundy region of France. Pinot Noir, the primary grape of Burgundy, offers the earthy, fruity notes, and elegant structure that complements the stew’s flavors.
If Burgundy is unavailable, consider other medium-bodied red wines with earthy notes and moderate tannins. Options like Beaujolais, Côtes du Rhône, or even a lighter-bodied Cabernet Franc can be excellent choices. Avoid overly bold or tannic wines, as they may overpower the delicate flavors of the bourguignon.
Are there any unique or unexpected pairings for Beef Bourguignon?
For a less traditional but equally delightful pairing, consider serving polenta alongside Beef Bourguignon. Creamy polenta provides a comforting and slightly sweet base that complements the savory stew. The soft texture also contrasts nicely with the tender beef and vegetables.
Another unexpected but delicious pairing is a cauliflower purée. The subtle sweetness and creamy texture of the purée offer a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes. A touch of nutmeg or Parmesan cheese can enhance the flavor and complement the richness of the bourguignon.
Can I make a vegetarian side dish to serve with Beef Bourguignon for guests who don’t eat meat?
Absolutely! A hearty mushroom risotto is an excellent vegetarian option that complements the flavors of Beef Bourguignon. The umami-rich mushrooms and creamy rice provide a satisfying and flavorful alternative to the stew.
Alternatively, consider a lentil stew. Lentils offer a similar earthy flavor and hearty texture to the beef in the bourguignon. You can incorporate some of the same vegetables used in the bourguignon, such as carrots, onions, and celery, to create a cohesive and complementary dish.