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Baltimore Sun Unveils 'Voracious' Beef Bourguignon: A Big-Scale French Classic

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/05 .. beef-bourguignon-a-big-scale-french-classic.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 12:08 GMT by The Baltimore Sun

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A Deep‑Dive into Baltimore’s “Voracious” Beef Bourguignon: What the Sun’s Latest Food Story Tells Us

When the Baltimore Sun rolled out its “Voracious” Beef Bourguignon feature on December 5, 2025, it wasn’t just a recipe— it was a culinary case study that paired a time‑honored French classic with modern sensibilities, local ingredients, and a generous portion plan that could feed an entire neighborhood block party. Below, we unpack the article’s key points, links, and the story it tells about food, community, and the joy of cooking for abundance.

1. The “Voracious” Concept

The headline’s hook—Voracious—immediately signals that this isn’t the single‑serve, microwave‑friendly version many online guides offer. Instead, the recipe is designed for scale: it yields roughly 12–14 servings, enough for a large family dinner or a festive gathering. The article notes that the Sun’s editorial team was inspired by a recent trend in “bulk‑bake” dishes that maximize flavor while cutting down on cooking time per serving. By preparing the stew in a massive Dutch oven or a large roasting pan, the chef emphasizes both efficiency and the “slow‑cook” technique that allows aromatics to meld over several hours.

2. Chef Maria Delgado’s Story

A recurring link in the article directs readers to Chef Maria Delgado’s personal blog, where she explains how her upbringing in a Puerto Rican household—where large family meals were the norm—shaped her approach to “voracious” cooking. Delgado stresses the importance of using “heart‑warming, communal meals” as a way to preserve cultural traditions while embracing modern cooking technologies. Her own kitchen tour footage (linking to a YouTube playlist) provides a behind‑the‑scenes look at the prep station, from the initial beef cut to the final garnish.

3. Ingredient Spotlight & Local Sourcing

Delgado proudly lists her sourcing chain:

• Beef – 3–4 lb of chuck roast, cut into 2‑inch cubes, sourced from a nearby farm that uses regenerative practices (link to the farm’s website).
• Wine – A bottle of 2024 Bordeaux, 750 ml, the article links to a review of the 2024 vintage from Wine Spectator that highlights its bold tannins and subtle blackberry undertones.
• Vegetables – Root vegetables (carrots, parsnips) and mushrooms harvested from a CSA subscription, with a link to the CSA’s monthly pick list.
• Stock – Homemade beef stock, with a tutorial link to The Sun’s “How to Make Stock” series, emphasizing the importance of a robust base for flavor depth.

Delgado also offers a “savory alternative” for those who wish to reduce alcohol: a simple swap to a dry, low‑alcohol red wine or a combination of beef stock and red wine vinegar. This nuance underscores her commitment to flexibility.

4. Step‑by‑Step Highlights

While the article does not reproduce the full recipe verbatim (protecting the chef’s intellectual property), it outlines the cooking phases in enough detail to give readers a clear sense of the process:

1. Marination – Beef cubes are rubbed with sea salt, cracked pepper, and a splash of the chosen wine, then left at room temperature for 30 minutes to enhance tenderness.
2. Searing – The meat is browned in a hot cast‑iron pan, a technique Delgado says “locks in flavor.” The pan is then transferred to the Dutch oven to maintain a high, even heat throughout the dish.
3. Vegetable Sauté – Onion, carrot, and mushroom medley is cooked in the pan’s rendered fat, releasing a deep, caramelized aroma that permeates the stew.
4. Deglazing & Simmering – The wine is poured in, allowing the pan to deglaze, followed by a slow simmer of beef stock, bay leaves, thyme, and a dash of tomato paste.
5. Rest & Finish – After a 3‑hour low‑heat simmer, the stew is removed from the heat to “rest for 15 minutes,” letting the flavors marry. A final touch of fresh parsley and a spoonful of butter finish the dish.

Delgado notes that a “voracious” portion means the stew sits in the pot for a longer time, ensuring that each bite is succulent. The article links to a Culinary Arts textbook page that discusses the science of collagen breakdown—essential for the silky texture that defines a great Bourguignon.

5. Serving Ideas & Leftovers

To round out the story, the Sun includes a side‑by‑side visual of the dish plated over creamy mashed potatoes and a crisp green bean salad. Delgado recommends serving with a crusty baguette, and she offers a quick note on repurposing leftovers into a hearty soup or stew, encouraging readers to minimize waste.

The article also highlights the dish’s cultural relevance: in December’s holiday season, many Baltimore families gather around large tables to celebrate, and a “voracious” Bourguignon provides a comforting centerpiece that speaks to both tradition and modern sustainability.

6. Contextual Links

The article weaves several educational threads:

• Bordeaux Wine Guide – A link to a 2025 wine‑guide article that explains why Burgundy wines pair so well with red meat and the role of tannins in a slow‑cooked dish.
• Farm Fresh Ingredients – A local produce supplier’s page offering organic carrots and mushrooms, illustrating the farm‑to‑table narrative.
• Cooking 101: Mastering Stock – A link to a beginner’s tutorial on stock‑making, which is crucial for a robust Bourguignon base.
• Nutrition Corner – A side note from the Baltimore Sun’s health desk discussing the balance of protein, fiber, and fats in a “voracious” meal and offering a quick tip on adding a vegetable garnish for extra micronutrients.

7. Takeaway

The Baltimore Sun’s December 5 feature does more than provide a recipe; it presents a holistic view of how a classic dish can evolve to meet contemporary demands for abundance, sustainability, and inclusivity. By blending local sourcing, mindful cooking techniques, and an open‑handed approach to ingredient flexibility, the article positions Beef Bourguignon not just as a holiday staple, but as a “voracious” celebration of community, culture, and culinary craftsmanship. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a curious novice, the piece invites you to consider the broader narrative behind each simmering pot—an invitation to cook, share, and savor in ways that honor both tradition and the modern table.