The Flemish carbonnade is a traditional dish from Belgium, particularly appreciated in the Flanders region. It is a meat stew simmered in beer, often accompanied by gingerbread and potatoes. This comforting dish is perfect for cold winter days. Here’s how to prepare this delicious dish.
Ingredients
- 1 kg of braising beef
- 2 onions
- 3 slices of gingerbread
- 2 tablespoons of mustard
- 75 cl of brown beer
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs of thyme
- Salt and pepper
Preparation
- Cut the beef into pieces and slice the onions.
- In a Dutch oven, sauté the pieces of beef and the sliced onions.
- Spread the slices of gingerbread with mustard and add them to the Dutch oven, mustard side down.
- Then add the beer, bay leaves, and thyme. Salt and pepper to your taste.
- Cover the Dutch oven and let it simmer for 2 to 3 hours on low heat. Don’t hesitate to stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking.
How to Enjoy Flemish Carbonnades
Flemish carbonnades are traditionally enjoyed with fries or steamed potatoes. You can also pair them with good country bread to savor the sauce. For wine, opt for a full-bodied red wine. Enjoy your meal!
Conclusion
The Flemish carbonnade is a simple dish to prepare, yet rich in flavors. It perfectly represents Belgian cuisine: generous, friendly, and hearty. Don’t hesitate to prepare this dish the day before; it will only get better!
