Easy homemade carbonade flamande recipe.

 Carbonnade Flamande

 

Carbonnade Flamande is a hearty Belgian beef stew that's slow-cooked with beer, caramelized onions, and aromatic herbs. It's a comforting dish that's perfect for chilly evenings. Here's a traditional recipe for Carbonnade Flamande:

 

Ingredients:

- 2 pounds (about 1 kg) beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes

- 3 large onions, thinly sliced

- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

- 2 tablespoons butter

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 2 cups (475 ml) Belgian beer (such as a dark ale or stout)

- 2 cups (475 ml) beef broth

- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 bay leaves

- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

- 1 teaspoon brown sugar

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- Slices of crusty bread or baguette (for serving)

 

Instructions:

1. Caramelize the Onions:

   - In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and heat the vegetable oil over medium-low heat.

   - Add the sliced onions and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes or until they turn a deep golden brown and become sweet and caramelized.

  

2. Brown the Beef:

   - While the onions are caramelizing, season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper.

   - In a separate skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat.

   - Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

  

3. Add the Flour and Garlic:

   - Once the beef is browned, sprinkle the flour over it and stir well to coat the beef evenly.

   - Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or until fragrant.

 

4. Combine Ingredients:

   - Transfer the browned beef to the pot with the caramelized onions.

   - Pour in the beer and beef broth, and stir to combine.

   - Add the bay leaves, thyme, brown sugar, and a bit more salt and pepper for seasoning.

 

5. Simmer and Cook:

   - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

   - Cover the pot and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavours meld together. Stir occasionally.

 

6. Serve:

   - Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving.

   - Carbonnade Flamande is traditionally served with slices of crusty bread or baguette to soak up the flavorful sauce.

  

Enjoy your homemade Carbonnade Flamande, a delicious Belgian comfort dish with deep, rich flavours! It's even better the next day as the flavours continue to develop.