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1
In a large saute pan simmer the lardons in 2 cups of water for 5 minutes.
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2
Remove the lardons and pour off the water.
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3
Place the lardons back in the saute pan with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat.
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4
You want to render the fat from the pork, but you dont want it to burn.
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5
This will take 10 to 15 minutes.
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6
They are done when the fat has rendered and the lardons are light brown and crispy.
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7
Remove the lardons and if there isnt enough fat to film the bottom of the saute pan add more olive oil.
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8
Brown the chicken pieces skin side down first.
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9
Turn the chicken over and brown on other side.
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10
Again not too fast or the chicken will burn or seize.
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11
Remove chicken from the pan and put in carrots, celery and onions.
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12
Salt the veggies and shake the pan to cover with the oil and rendered fat.
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13
Scrape up brown bits.
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14
Put the lid on the pan for five minutes and let the veggies soften or sweat.
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15
Remove cover and raise heat to close to high allow the veggies to brown ever so slightly.
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16
Add tomato paste to a well in the center of the pan, move it around and allow it to caramelize on the bottom of the pan.
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17
Sprinkle the veggies with three tablespoons of flour and stir so the flour cooks and turns a peanut butter color.
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18
Add more olive oil if there doesnt appear to be enough fat to form a roux.
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19
This takes probably about 5 to 7 minutes.
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20
Deglaze with the cognac.
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21
Careful it may ignite.
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22
Stirring constantly, bring to boiling; the flour and the cognac will become a bubbling paste.
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23
Carefully, taste and adjust seasoning.
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24
Add the wine, stir, reduce and allow thickening as the wine evaporates.
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25
Taste and again, if necessary, adjust seasoning.
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26
Add chicken stock then add the chicken parts skin side up so that the skin is not submerged.
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27
Submerse the bouquet garni.
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28
Turn down to a simmer.
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29
Adjust seasoning as desired.
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30
With the lid slightly ajar simmer for a half hour, stirring once in a while.
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31
At the half hour point melt the 2 tables spoons of butter over high heat until nutty colored and saute the mushrooms until they have a slightly caramel color.
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32
Sprinkle the mushrooms into stew.
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33
Cook at the simmer for 1/2 hour longer, top with the lardons and serve with bread and potatoes.