Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
3 1/2 lbs beef
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 lbs onions
3 cups ale
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon thyme
2 bay leaves
3 cloves
2 slices bread
2 tablespoons mustard
Flemish Carbonades is a traditional Belgian dish that is often served with fries or boiled potatoes. The dish has a long history, dating back to the 18th century, and is typically made with beer or ale, beef, and onions. The name 'Carbonades' comes from the French word 'carbonade', which refers to a type of stew made with beef and onions. This version of the dish is made with a variety of spices, including thyme, bay leaves, and cloves, which give it a unique flavor and aroma. The dish is easy to customize, with many families in Belgium having their own special variation of the recipe.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2.In a large Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
3.Season the beef with salt and pepper, and coat it in flour.
4.Brown the beef in batches, about 4-5 minutes on each side.
5.Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
6.Add the onions to the pot and cook until they are softened and slightly caramelized.
7.Add the ale, sugar, thyme, bay leaves, and cloves, and stir to combine.
8.Return the beef to the pot, making sure it is submerged in the liquid.
9.Take the slices of bread and spread them with the mustard - place the slices on top of the stew.
10.Cover the Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid and bake in the oven for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.

PROS

Flemish Carbonades is a comforting and hearty beef stew that is perfect for cold winter nights.
The dish is full of rich, complex flavors, with a deep, dark sauce that is perfect for soaking up with crusty bread.
The use of ale in the recipe adds a depth of flavor and tenderizes the beef beautifully.

CONS

The dish takes some time to prepare, and requires a bit of patience to ensure the beef is perfectly tender.
The final product is also quite rich, so it’s not recommended for those watching their calorie intake.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While Flemish Carbonades is not a particularly healthy dish, it does provide a good source of protein and iron from the beef. The onions in the dish are also a great source of antioxidants, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and boost heart health. However, due to the addition of sugar and bread, it’s best to enjoy this dish in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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