Pot-au-Feu
Pot-au-feu, literally 'pot on the fire', is considered one of the oldest dishes in French cuisine, appearing in written documents as far back as the 16th century. It was for a long time the typical weekly meal of modest French families, a single pot feeding the whole family from simple ingredients, left to simmer slowly for hours. Today the dish remains a symbol of authentic French home cooking, often contrasted with the refinement of restaurant cuisine, and many famous French chefs consider it the comfort food of their childhood.
Two courses from one pot
The clear broth is served first as a soup, and the boiled meat and vegetables follow as a separate main course.
Marrow bone, the broth's secret
A marrow bone simmered alongside the meat gives the broth a richness and depth impossible to get otherwise.
Whole vegetables, not finely cut
Carrots, leeks, and turnips are left whole or cut into large chunks, simmered slowly until tender.
Coarse salt and mustard at the table
Coarse salt, mustard, and pickles are served alongside, so each diner seasons their own portion.
Ingredients 4 servings
- 1kg beef brisket, in large pieces
- 1 marrow bone
- 4 carrots, whole or in large pieces
- 2 leeks, cut into large pieces
- 2 small turnips, whole
- 1 onion, studded with cloves
- 1 bouquet garni
- Coarse salt
- Dijon mustard, for serving
How to make it
- 1Place the beef brisket and marrow bone in a large pot of cold water.
- 2Bring to a boil, carefully skimming off the foam, then let it simmer uncovered for about an hour.
- 3Add the clove-studded onion and bouquet garni, continuing to simmer for another hour.
- 4Add the carrots, leeks, and turnips, letting everything simmer gently for another 45 minutes, until the meat and vegetables are very tender.
- 5Remove the marrow bone and set aside separately for serving.
- 6Strain the clear broth and serve it first, as a soup, sprinkled with coarse salt.
- 7Arrange the meat and vegetables on a platter and serve as the main course, alongside Dijon mustard and pickles.
Nutritional info
per serving (~350 g)
Estimated nutritional values.
Pairs perfectly with
