Carbonade is a traditional Belgian beef stew, typically made with beer and flavored with onions and spices. It's hearty and full of rich flavors. Here’s a classic recipe for Carbonade Flamande:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 onions, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups (500ml) Belgian beer (preferably a brown ale)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Brown the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add the beef in batches, browning on all sides. Remove and set aside.
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Sauté the Onions:
- In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook until softened and caramelized (about 10-15 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
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Deglaze the Pot:
- Pour in the Belgian beer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds flavor to the stew.
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Add Beef and Seasonings:
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the brown sugar, vinegar, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
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Cook the Stew:
- Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 2-2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally.
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Optional: If desired, stir in the Dijon mustard during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added flavor.
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Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or fries.
Enjoy your flavorful Carbonade!
