Coq au vin. No bacon.

[wesolutka]

I'm thinking of making coq au vin for a dinner with friends, but sans bacon (there will be Muslims present). I've always made it with bacon lardons for that lovely rich smoky taste - any ideas on how I could recreate this without pork products? Porcini mushrooms, perhaps? Your thoughts would be welcome!

Could you use smoked garlic cloves? You can get them in farmers markets.

Love the idea of porcini mushrooms in there too.

Will Muslims be happy with food cooked in alcohol? Most muslims I know drink very little. I know the alcohol pretty much cooks away, but it may not be to their taste.

Thanks racingheart, I shall see if I can get hold of some smoked garlic - great idea!

And good point re the alcohol - certainly not to everyone's taste. These friends are however happy to have a drink and make boozy desserts :)