Gourmandise Lyonnaise

Introduction to Gourmandise Lyonnaise

The Gourmandise Lyonnaise is a exquisite dish representative of Lyon, a city often heralded as the gastronomic capital of France. Known for its rich culinary traditions, Lyon offers a unique tapestry of flavors that have stood the test of time. Originating from the region’s abundant local produce, this dish elegantly combines both meat and vegetables in a harmony that captivates the palate.

Lyon's cuisine is influenced by its historic trade routes and its strategic geographic position, allowing the infusion of various flavors into its culinary practices. The Gourmandise Lyonnaise is a testament to this diversity, showcasing the rich traditions of French cooking with an emphasis on quality and taste.

Ingredients for Gourmandise Lyonnaise

• Chicken - 1 whole, free-range
• Bacon - 200g, sliced
• Cream - 200ml
• Onion - 1 large, finely chopped
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Thyme - 1 bunch, fresh
• Mushrooms - 250g, assorted, cleaned and sliced
• Olive Oil - 2 tablespoons
• White Wine - 250ml
• Salt - to taste
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Butter - 50g
• Parsley - fresh, for garnish

Preparation Steps

1. Prepping the Chicken

Begin by cleaning the chicken thoroughly. Pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp skin during cooking. Cut it into serving pieces and generously season each piece with salt and black pepper.

2. Preparing the Aromatics

In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent. This process creates a rich base for the dish, enhancing the flavors of the chicken.

3. Cooking the Chicken

In the same pan, melt the butter and add the chicken pieces, skin side down. Sear them until the skin is golden brown before turning over. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

4. Sautéing the Mushrooms

Add the bacon to the pan, frying until crisp. Drain excess fat, leaving about one tablespoon in the pan. Add the mushrooms and cook until browned and tender. Add the thyme to infuse the dish with its aroma.

5. Deglazing with White Wine

Use the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping the bottom to release any stuck-on bits, known as the 'fond', which enriches the dish’s flavor.

Cooking Process

1. Simmering

Return the chicken pieces to the pan, skin side up. Pour over the cream and allow it to coat all ingredients evenly. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Use a cooking timer to track this stage carefully.

2. Final Seasoning

Once the chicken is cooked, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed. The sauce should be luscious and well-seasoned, enhancing the dish’s inherent richness.

Serving Suggestions

To plate the Gourmandise Lyonnaise, arrange the chicken pieces on a serving platter and pour the sauce over them. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a splash of color and a hint of freshness.

This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple buttered rice, allowing the flavors of the Gourmandise Lyonnaise to shine. Enjoy this meal with a chilled glass of the same white wine used in cooking to bring the dining experience to a perfect close.