Carnonnades Flamandes

Carnonnades Flamandes Recipe: A Hearty Belgian-French Dish

Region / culture: Belgium, France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Carnonnades Flamandes is a traditional Belgian beef stew that is rich in flavor and perfect for a cozy night in. This hearty dish is made with tender stew beef, onions, beer, and a touch of brown sugar for sweetness. The addition of Dijon mustard and French bread adds a unique twist to this classic recipe.

History

Carnonnades Flamandes has been a staple in Belgian cuisine for centuries. This dish originated in the Flanders region of Belgium, where hearty stews are a popular comfort food. The combination of beer, beef, and onions creates a savory and satisfying meal that is perfect for cold winter nights.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) stew beef
salt and pepper
4 tbsp olive oil
0.5 lb (227 g) onion, sliced
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp vinegar
1 qt (946 ml) beer
thyme
bay leaves
1 large baking potato, cubed (optional)
2 cup sliced carrots (optional)
4 thick slices french bread
dijon mustard
cooked rice

How to prepare

Season the meat with salt and pepper.
Brown the meat in oil.
Remove the meat and place it in a large kettle.
Sauté the onions in the same pan.
Sprinkle brown sugar over the onions and cook for a few more minutes.
Deglaze the pan with vinegar and pour the contents into the kettle with the meat.
Cover the meat with beer, thyme, and bay leaves to taste.
Add potatoes and carrots, if desired.
Remove the crusts from the bread and generously coat it with Dijon mustard.
Place the bread on top of the stew and bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, covered, for 2 hours.
When the stew is stirred, the bread will dissolve and thicken the stew.
Serve the stew over rice.
Variation: Add more Dijon mustard according to your taste.
The stew can be cooked uncovered if you prefer a thicker consistency.

Variations

Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Use lamb or pork instead of beef for a different twist.
Substitute the beer with red wine for a richer taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the meat before adding it to the stew to enhance the flavor.

- Deglazing the pan with vinegar adds a tangy kick to the stew.

- Adding Dijon mustard to the bread before placing it on top of the stew adds a unique flavor profile.

- Cooking the stew covered for 2 hours allows the bread to dissolve and thicken the stew.

Serving Suggestions

Carnonnades Flamandes is best served over a bed of cooked rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meat before adding it to the stew enhances the flavor.

- Deglazing the pan with vinegar adds a tangy kick to the stew.

- Cooking the stew covered for 2 hours allows the bread to dissolve and thicken the stew.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken broth instead of beer for a non-alcoholic version.

- Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a healthier option.

- Use whole grain bread instead of French bread for added fiber.

Make Ahead Tips

Carnonnades Flamandes can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Carnonnades Flamandes in a rustic bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Carnonnades Flamandes with a Belgian ale or a glass of red wine for a perfect match.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Carnonnades Flamandes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Carnonnades Flamandes contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Carnonnades Flamandes contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Carnonnades Flamandes contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Carnonnades Flamandes contains approximately 40 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Carnonnades Flamandes is rich in iron, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the French bread and may contain soy from the Dijon mustard.

Summary

Carnonnades Flamandes is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Carnonnades Flamandes is a classic Belgian beef stew that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal. With a rich sauce, tender beef, and a touch of sweetness, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the windows of my kitchen. I was rummaging through an old recipe box that belonged to my own grandmother, hoping to find some inspiration for dinner that evening. As I sorted through the yellowed index cards and faded newspaper clippings, my eyes landed on a small piece of paper tucked away in the corner.

Curious, I picked up the paper and unfolded it carefully. The handwriting was elegant, with looping cursive letters that spoke of a bygone era. The title at the top of the page read "Carnonnades Flamandes," a name I had never heard before. Intrigued, I began to read through the ingredients and instructions, feeling a sense of excitement building within me.

The recipe called for tender cuts of beef, thinly sliced and marinated in a mixture of red wine, vinegar, and herbs. It instructed me to sauté the meat with onions and mushrooms until they were golden brown and fragrant. Then, a creamy sauce made from butter, flour, and beef broth was poured over the meat, creating a rich and savory dish that promised to tantalize the taste buds.

As I read through the recipe, I felt a connection to my grandmother that transcended time and space. I could almost picture her standing in her own kitchen, preparing this dish for her family with love and care. I could almost hear her laughter and feel her presence, guiding me as I followed the instructions on the worn piece of paper.

With a newfound sense of purpose, I set to work gathering the ingredients and preparing the Carnonnades Flamandes. The aroma of garlic and herbs filled the air as I chopped and sautéed, my hands moving with a practiced ease that came from years of cooking and experimenting in the kitchen.

As the dish simmered on the stove, I took a moment to reflect on the journey that had brought me to this point. I thought of all the recipes I had learned and perfected over the years, each one a testament to the love and passion I poured into my cooking. And now, here I was, about to add a new recipe to my repertoire, thanks to a chance discovery in an old recipe box.

When the Carnonnades Flamandes were finally ready, I plated them carefully and set the table for dinner. The dish looked and smelled delicious, a beautiful blend of flavors and textures that promised to delight the senses. I couldn't wait to taste it, to savor the fruits of my labor and share them with my loved ones.

As we sat down to eat, my family's eyes widened in anticipation as I served them each a portion of the Carnonnades Flamandes. The first bite was met with silence, broken only by the sound of utensils clinking against plates and satisfied murmurs of approval. I watched with pride as my loved ones savored the dish, their faces lighting up with joy and contentment.

In that moment, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special. The Carnonnades Flamandes had brought us together, not just as a family, but as a link in a chain of generations connected by a love of good food and shared memories. And as I looked around the table at the smiling faces of my loved ones, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in our hearts for years to come.

As the last morsels of Carnonnades Flamandes were devoured and the plates were cleared away, I felt a sense of peace and fulfillment wash over me. I had not only learned a new recipe that day, but I had also discovered a deeper connection to my past and a renewed sense of purpose in my present. And as I sat back in my chair, surrounded by the warmth and love of my family, I knew that this was a moment I would cherish forever.