Belgian Stew 🍲

Overview:

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Serving: 4 servings
Calories: 928.3 per serving

Description:

Looking for a hearty dish infused with the rich flavors of Belgian cuisine? Look no further! This Belgian Stew recipe is a celebration of robust flavors, combining tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and a full-bodied ale. Whether you’re craving comfort food on a weeknight or hosting a cozy dinner with friends, this dish is sure to impress. Embrace the essence of Belgian cooking and indulge in a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to savor every spoonful of this delectable stew!

Ingredients:

2 lbs beef stew meat
2 onions
1 cup carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bottle (12 oz) Belgian ale
1 tsp dried marjoram
1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp celery seed
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp oil for cooking
All-purpose flour for coating beef

Instructions:

1. Prep Work:

Step 1: Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
Step 2: Chop the onions, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.

2. Browning the Beef:

Step 3: Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
Step 4: Meanwhile, pat dry the beef stew meat with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 5: Toss the beef pieces in flour until evenly coated, shaking off any excess flour.
Step 6: Once the oil is hot, add the coated beef to the pot in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
Step 7: Sear the beef on all sides until golden brown, then transfer to a plate and set aside.

3. Building Flavor:

Step 8: In the same pot, add more oil if needed, then sauté the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.
Step 9: Return the browned beef to the pot, and pour in the Belgian ale, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 10: Stir in the dried marjoram, brown sugar, celery seed, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste.

4. Simmering to Perfection:

Step 11: Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 12: Cover the pot with a lid and let the stew simmer slowly for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
Step 13: Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning if necessary.

5. Serving:

Step 14: Once the stew is ready, remove the bay leaf and discard.
Step 15: Ladle the hot Belgian stew into bowls and serve warm with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Step 16: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.

Enjoy your Belgian Stew!

Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of this Belgian-inspired stew, perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners. Each spoonful is a culinary delight, showcasing the richness of beef, the sweetness of caramelized onions, and the earthiness of aromatic spices. Elevate your dining experience with this soul-satisfying dish that pays homage to the culinary traditions of Europe. Serve it with your favorite Belgian ale for the ultimate gastronomic experience. Cheers to good food, good company, and unforgettable flavors! 🍻