Perfect coq au vin

Step 1

Cut the chicken into 4-6 large pieces (or ask your butcher to do this for you). Heat the oil and butter in the casserole/pan and brown the chicken all over, working in batches if necessary. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2

In the same pan, fry the lardons until crisp, then add the mushrooms and shallots and cook until lightly coloured. Return the chicken pieces to the pan, then remove it from the heat, pour in the cognac and flambé to burn off the alcohol (see tips).

Step 3

Return the pan to the heat, pour in the red wine, add the bouquet garni and garlic, then season well with salt and pepper. Add a little water to the cornflour (see Make Ahead) to make a loose paste, then stir it into the sauce in the pan, making sure there are no lumps.

Step 4

Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas Bring the stew to the boil, then put on the lid and transfer to the oven for 60-75 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 5

When ready to serve, remove the bouquet garni, season the stew to taste and scatter over fresh parsley. Serve with baked potatoes or mash, crème fraîche and dressed baby salad leaves.