Carbonades A La Flammande
A hearty Belgian beef stew with rich flavors from onions, beer, and herbs, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for those who enjoy savory, slow-cooked dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 lb. lean beef, cut into 1/2-inch slices ⓘ
- 2 lb. large onions, thickly sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 c. cooking oil ⓘ
- 6 cloves garlic, crushed or 2 tsp. ground garlic ⓘ
- 3 tsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 c. red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 2 tsp. thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- pepper to taste
- 1 can beef consomme ⓘ
- 2 bottles beer ⓘ
Instructions
- Dredge the beef slices in flour.
- Brown the floured beef in hot oil until browned on all sides.
- Add the sliced onions and cook until they are softened.
- Stir in crushed garlic or ground garlic, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, chopped parsley, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the beef consomme and beer to cover the ingredients.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve hot with crusty bread or potatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a darker beer like a stout or porter. You can substitute the beef with pork for a different taste or use a gluten-free flour for dredging to accommodate dietary needs. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance umami. If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried herbs work well too, but use less since they're more concentrated.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Carbonades A La Flammande hot, accompanied by crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce. A side of pickles or sautéed green beans adds a nice contrast. This dish pairs beautifully with beef recipes, making it a hearty centerpiece for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. This dish also tastes better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carbonades A La Flammande contains roughly 608 calories, with 21g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (198% of the Daily Value), iron (132% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1411mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, while traditional recipes use beef, you can experiment with pork or even chicken. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary since different meats have varying tenderness.
What type of beer works best for this recipe?
A Belgian ale or a dark lager works best, as they provide a depth of flavor that complements the dish. Avoid overly hoppy beers, as they can overpower the other ingredients.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too thin?
If the sauce hasn't thickened after simmering, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the pot. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).