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Main CourseDinner

Classic Pot-au-Feu

Pot-au-feu is a traditional French dish featuring tender, slow-cooked beef and a medley of vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. It is typically served in two courses: first the broth, then the meat and vegetables with accompanying condiments. This recipe provides a comforting and hearty meal perfect for cooler weather.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
3 hr 30 min
Serves
6
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
875 kcal
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Allergen information: may contain celery, gluten, mustard, and sulphites. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Classic Pot-au-Feu

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 kgbeef chuck roast, cut into 2-3 large pieces
  • 2 pcsbeef marrow bone
  • 2 pcsyellow onion, peeled, halved
  • 4 pcscarrot, peeled, cut into large chunks
  • 2 pcsleek, white and light green parts, cleaned, cut into large pieces
  • 2 pcscelery stalk, cut into large chunks
  • 2 pcsturnip, peeled, halved or quartered
  • 2 pcsparsnip, peeled, cut into large chunks
  • 4 clovegarlic clove, peeled
  • 2 pcsbay leaf
  • 4 pcsfresh thyme sprig
  • 1 tspwhole black peppercorn
  • 2 tspsalt
  • 4 lwater

for serving

  • 4 tbspdijon mustard
  • 100 gcornichon(optional)
  • 1 pcscrusty bread(optional)

Equipment

fine-mesh sieve · dutch oven · cutting board · knife · large stockpot

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Place the beef chuck roast and marrow bones in a large stockpot or Dutch oven.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Using a pot large enough to comfortably hold all ingredients will prevent boil-overs.

  2. 2

    Add the halved onions, carrots, leeks, celery stalks, turnips, parsnips, peeled garlic cloves, bay leaves, fresh thyme, and whole black peppercorns to the pot.

    About 5 min

  3. 3

    Pour water over all ingredients until they are fully submerged.

    About 1 min

  4. 4

    Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours.

    About 3 hr

    Cook’s note: Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during the first 30 minutes of simmering for a clearer broth.

  5. 5

    After simmering, carefully remove the beef and marrow bones from the pot and set them aside.

    About 2 min

  6. 6

    Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a separate pot or large bowl, discarding the spent aromatics and vegetables.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: This step ensures a clear and refined broth, which is key for serving the first course.

  7. 7

    Return the strained broth to the cleaned stockpot. Add the reserved beef and marrow bones back into the broth.

    About 2 min

  8. 8

    Reheat the broth and meat gently over medium-low heat until warmed through.

    About 10 min

  9. 9

    To serve, first ladle some of the hot broth into individual bowls. Then, slice the beef against the grain and arrange it with the marrow bones on a serving platter.

    About 3 min

    Cook’s note: Serve the broth with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

  10. 10

    Offer the Dijon mustard, cornichons, and crusty bread as accompaniments for the meat and vegetables.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
875kcal
Protein
73.1g
Carbs
52.1g
Fat
39.2g
Fibre
6.6g
Sugar
10.9g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover pot-au-feu (broth, meat, and vegetables) in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, or in the microwave.

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