Belgian Carbonade Flamande – Beef and Beer Stew

A rich Flemish beef stew slow-cooked with onions, dark beer, and mustard — sweet, savory, and traditionally served with fries or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

* 800g beef chuck, cubed
* 3 onions, sliced
* 2 tbsp Dijon or whole grain mustard
* 500ml dark Belgian beer (e.g. dubbel or brown ale)
* 2 slices bread (for thickening)
* 2 tbsp butter
* Thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper

Instructions:

1. Brown beef in butter and set aside.
2. Sauté onions until caramelized. Return beef, add herbs and beer.
3. Spread mustard on bread slices, place on top.
4. Cover and simmer 2–3 hours until beef is tender. Stir in soaked bread as it dissolves into sauce.
5. Serve with fries or mashed potatoes.

Belgian Tip:
For authenticity, use Pain d'épices (spiced bread) instead of plain bread.