Guest Post - Mellissa's Coq au Vin recipe

Hi, I'm Mel and I blog at www.thediaryofajewellerylover.co.uk. I have been asked by the lovely Helen to guest post on her blog. Recently I have bought a slow cooker and it has been invaluable in producing delicious warming meals that are very cost effective. Here is my take on Coq Au Vin. 

Coq Au Vin

Ingredients

2 leeks

3 carrots, sliced

2 sticks celery optional

salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 slices bacon 

2 tbsp plain flour

4 whole chicken legs, or 8 chicken thighs

few sprigs fresh thyme, or 1 tsp dried

2 chopped garlic cloves

1 tbsp tomato ketchup

300ml/½pt red wine

100ml/3½fl oz chicken stock

150g/5½oz button mushrooms, cut in half

Method

Put the leek, carrots and celery into a slow cooker, and season with salt and pepper. 

Fry the bacon until crispy add to slow cooker.

Coat the chicken in flour and add salt and pepper.

Fry the chicken in some oil until browned.

Put the chicken on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker and add thyme.

Add a little more oil to the frying pan if needed, then add the garlic.

Cook for a minute, then add the wine and ketchup and bring to the boil.

Add the stock, return to the boil, season with salt and pepper, then pour over the meat and vegetables. 

Cover with the lid then cook on low for six hours, until the chicken is tender.

Serve with roast potatoes, green beans and broccoli. Enjoy!