Coq au Vin – Simmer + Sauce

Ingredients

• 3 pounds chicken legs and thighs
• 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, more as needed
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 3 cups hearty red wine
• 2 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, stems removed and finely chopped
• 4 ounces bacon, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
• 2 large carrot, peeled and diced
• 8 ounces white button mushrooms, quartered
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons brandy
• 1 1/2 cups good quality chicken stock
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups frozen pearl onions, thawed
• Pinch of sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped