Authentic Belgian Stoofvlees Recipe to Savor

If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious dish to warm you up on a cold day, look no further than Belgian Stoofvlees. This traditional dish is a Flemish beef stew that’s cooked slowly with plenty of flavorful ingredients like beer, onions, and bacon. The result is a rich and satisfying meal that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef (top round or chuck), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 bottle Belgian beer (preferably dark)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
3. Add the onions to the pot and cook until they’re soft and starting to caramelize, about 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, season the beef with salt and pepper. Add the beef to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
5. Add the garlic and stir for 1 minute.
6. Pour in the beer and beef broth, and add the bay leaves, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Stir well.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
8. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
9. Remove the pot from the oven and remove the bay leaves. Stir in the bacon and the butter-flour mixture until well combined.
10. Serve hot with boiled potatoes, bread, or French fries. Enjoy!

Now that you have the recipe, it’s time for some tips and tricks. One of the most important things to remember when making Stoofvlees is to brown the meat well before adding the liquid. This will help develop a deep flavor that will permeate the entire dish. Also, feel free to adjust the amount of beer you use depending on your personal taste. A darker beer will give the dish a richer flavor, while a lighter beer will make it a bit more tart.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some additional vegetables like carrots or celery to the pot. They’ll add additional flavor and nutrition to the dish. Finally, be patient when cooking Stoofvlees. The slow cooking time is what gives this dish its incredibly rich and complex flavor. It’s worth waiting for!

Now that you have all the knowledge you need, get started on this delicious recipe and enjoy a taste of Belgium right in the comfort of your own home.