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Belgian Beer Carbonnade

Tender Belgian Beer Carbonnade: A Soul-Warming Stew

Enjoy a comforting Belgian Beer Carbonnade stew, featuring tender beef and caramelized onions, perfect for chilly evenings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Belgian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 3 pounds Beef Chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup Flour for coating beef
For the Base
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter or olive oil
  • 4 ounces Bacon chopped
  • 2 large Yellow Onions sliced
  • 4 cloves Garlic freshly chopped
For the Stew
  • 1 bottle Belgian Dark Brown Beer or similar dark beer
  • 2 cups Beef Stock low-sodium recommended
  • 2 tablespoons Dark Brown Sugar adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Herbs Thyme, Parsley, Tarragon, Bay Leaves
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For Serving
  • 1 loaf Bread for soaking up sauce
  • 1 cup Applesauce for serving alongside

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Thinly slice the yellow onions and set them aside along with the freshly chopped garlic.
  2. In a large bowl, season the cubed beef chuck with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss the beef in flour until well coated.
  3. Preheat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add unsalted butter until melted. Brown the beef for about 8 minutes in batches, then set aside.
  4. Add chopped bacon to the pot and cook over medium heat for about 8 minutes until crispy.
  5. Add sliced onions and garlic to the pot, cooking over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes until caramelized.
  6. Deglaze the pot with half of the beer, simmering for about 4 minutes.
  7. Return the beef to the pot, adding the remaining beer, beef stock, dark brown sugar, vinegar, and herbs. Season to taste.
  8. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.
  9. Remove from heat, discarding bay leaves and garnish with fresh parsley.
  10. Serve warm with bread and a side of applesauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. Perfect for make-ahead meals.

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