Savor the Aromas of France: Homemade Coq au Vin

France is celebrated for its exquisite cuisine, and one dish that epitomizes the essence of French cooking is Coq au Vin. This classic French dish combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and red wine into a rich, flavorful stew. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create your own Homemade Coq au Vin, allowing you to savor the delightful aromas of France right in your kitchen.

**Ingredients**:

*For the Coq au Vin*:
- 4-6 chicken thighs or legs
- 1/4 pound of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 8-10 small pearl onions, peeled
- 1 pound of mushrooms, quartered
- 1 bottle (750 ml) of red wine (such as Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 2-3 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- Fresh parsley, for garnish

*For the Pearl Onion Glaze*:
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of red wine
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 8-10 small pearl onions, peeled

**Instructions**:

**For the Coq au Vin**:

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it's crisp. Remove it from the pot and set it aside.

2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. In the same pot, brown the chicken in the bacon fat until it's golden brown on all sides. Remove it from the pot and set it aside.

3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, chopped carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until they become soft and fragrant.

4. Return the chicken and bacon to the pot, and add the pearl onions, quartered mushrooms, fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, and bay leaves.

5. Pour in the entire bottle of red wine and the chicken broth. The chicken and vegetables should be covered by the liquid. If not, you can add a bit more wine or broth.

6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

7. In a separate pan, make a roux by melting the butter and stirring in the flour. Cook until it becomes a light brown color.

8. Stir the roux into the Coq au Vin to thicken the sauce. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.

**For the Pearl Onion Glaze**:

1. In a separate saucepan, combine the water, red wine, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.

2. Add the peeled pearl onions and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the liquid has reduced to a glaze.

**To Serve**:

1. Serve your Homemade Coq au Vin hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and accompanied by crusty French bread or mashed potatoes.

Now, you can savor the delightful aromas of France with your Homemade Coq au Vin. This rich and flavorful stew is a perfect representation of French cuisine and is ideal for experiencing the exquisite flavors of France in your own kitchen. Bon appétit!