Recipes From Julie and Julia Movie You Must Try Today

If you’ve ever been inspired by the heartwarming and delicious journey depicted in the movie Julie & Julia, you know that cooking can be both a joyful adventure and a soulful experience. The film beautifully intertwines the lives of Julia Child, the iconic French chef, and Julie Powell, a modern-day food enthusiast who challenges herself to prepare all 524 recipes from Julia’s legendary cookbook.

From classic French dishes to comforting homemade meals, these recipes bring a touch of elegance and passion to any kitchen.

Today, we’re diving into some of the most beloved recipes from the movie that you can recreate at home. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, these dishes capture the spirit of French cooking with approachable techniques and exquisite flavors.

Ready your apron and let’s embark on a culinary journey that honors both tradition and the joy of cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The recipes from Julie & Julia offer a perfect blend of classic French sophistication and homey comfort. They are more than just meals—they’re experiences that celebrate patience, skill, and the simple pleasure of good food.

Each recipe is thoughtfully crafted, emphasizing fresh ingredients and fundamental techniques that elevate everyday cooking.

Whether it’s the iconic Boeuf Bourguignon or the delicate French Onion Soup, these dishes will teach you essential culinary methods that you can apply to countless other recipes. Plus, cooking these meals connects you to Julia Child’s legacy and Julie Powell’s inspiring dedication, making every bite a story worth savoring.

Ingredients

Boeuf Bourguignon

• 3 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 6 oz bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp flour
• 3 cups red burgundy wine (or any good dry red wine)
• 2-3 cups beef stock
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1/2 lb pearl onions, peeled
• 1/2 lb mushrooms, quartered
• 2 tbsp butter

French Onion Soup

• 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
• 8 oz Gruyère cheese, grated

Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or large ovenproof pot (for Boeuf Bourguignon)
• Large pot or deep skillet (for French Onion Soup)
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Sharp chef’s knife for slicing vegetables and meat
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven-safe soup bowls or crocks (for serving French Onion Soup)
• Grater for cheese
• Slotted spoon (for pearl onions and mushrooms)
• Mixing bowls

Instructions

Boeuf Bourguignon

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. In a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
3. Brown the beef cubes in batches in the bacon fat, ensuring a deep brown crust. Remove and set aside.
4. Add sliced onions and carrots to the pot, sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
5. Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stir to coat and cook for 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
6. Return beef and bacon to the pot, pour in the red wine and enough beef stock to just cover the meat.
7. Add tomato paste, bay leaf, and thyme sprigs, bring to a simmer on the stove.
8. Cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, until beef is very tender.
9. While the beef cooks, prepare the pearl onions and mushrooms. Sauté pearl onions and mushrooms in butter until golden and tender.
10. Once beef is done, remove from oven and stir in pearl onions and mushrooms. Discard bay leaf and thyme stems. Adjust seasoning as needed.
11. Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread or buttered noodles.

French Onion Soup

1. Melt butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions, stir to coat, and cook slowly, stirring frequently.
2. After about 20 minutes, sprinkle sugar and salt over onions, continue to cook until onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 30-40 minutes more.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Pour in white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits.
4. Add beef broth, bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Preheat your broiler. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with toasted baguette slice and a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese.
6. Place bowls under the broiler, just until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Serve immediately, enjoying the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and cheesy goodness.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For the best Boeuf Bourguignon, choose a full-bodied Burgundy wine or any dry red wine you enjoy drinking. This enhances the depth of flavor.

Variation: Substitute beef with mushrooms or seitan for a vegetarian twist that still captures the hearty essence. Try our Veggie Potato Recipes for inspiration.

Tip: Be patient caramelizing onions for the French Onion Soup. The slow cooking process develops the signature rich flavor and natural sweetness.

Variation: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly soup, making it perfect for all diets.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Boeuf Bourguignon pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. For a full French bistro experience, serve with crusty French bread and a glass of the same red wine used in cooking.

French Onion Soup is perfect as an appetizer or a main course when paired with a crisp green salad like our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan. For a lighter meal, enjoy it alongside steamed vegetables or a crusty baguette.

Conclusion

Recreating the recipes from Julie & Julia is a wonderful way to bring a bit of French culinary magic into your own kitchen. These recipes are more than just meals—they’re a celebration of dedication, tradition, and the joy that comes from cooking with love.

Whether you’re simmering the rich Boeuf Bourguignon or savoring the sweet, caramelized depths of French Onion Soup, you’ll find that these dishes offer both comfort and elegance.

With a little patience and the right ingredients, you can master these classic recipes and impress friends and family alike. Remember, every great chef started somewhere, and these timeless dishes are the perfect place to begin.

For more inspiration on delicious and wholesome meals, check out our other recipes like Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food and Active Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy and Energized Living.

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