Carbonade flamande

Flemish stew, also known as carbonnade à la flamande, is a cherished traditional Belgian dish. It features tender beef, sweet onions, and rich beer, seasoned with thyme, bay leaves, and mustard. Occasionally, mushrooms or spiced bread are added to elevate the flavor.

The choice of beer is crucial for this dish. Oud bruin, Brune Abbey beer, or Flanders red are preferred for their distinctive bitter-sour notes. Just before serving, a touch of cider or wine vinegar, along with brown sugar or red currant jelly, is often added to enhance the sweet-sour taste.

Flemish stew is typically enjoyed with French fries, boiled potatoes, or stoemp (a Belgian mashed potato dish). It is a common offering on menus in restaurants and friteries across Belgium and the Netherlands.

Although the term "carbonade" can also refer to grilled pork loin or beef stews made with red wine, it is most commonly associated with this delectable Belgian beef and onion stew.