Flemish Stew

Cozy up with a warm and hearty dish that will transport you to the charming bistros of Belgium—a rich and flavorful Flemish Stew. This traditional dish is perfect for chilly evenings when you’re craving something comforting and satisfying. Filled with tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and a robust beer-based broth, this stew is a delicious way to elevate your weeknight dinner routine. Serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all the delicious juices. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this classic Flemish Stew recipe in your own kitchen.

**Ingredients:**
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 onions, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 stalks celery, sliced
– 1 bottle of Belgian ale
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 sprig of fresh thyme
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp butter
– Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

**Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, toss the beef pieces with the flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Deglaze the pot with the Belgian ale, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add the beef broth, apple cider vinegar, bay leaf, thyme, and brown sugar to the pot. Return the beef to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
7. In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add a spoonful of flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns golden brown.
8. Stir the butter and flour mixture into the stew to thicken the sauce. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce has reached your desired consistency.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprig.
10. Serve the Flemish Stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy it with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Warm, hearty, and brimming with delicious flavors, this Flemish Stew is a wonderful culinary journey to the heart of Belgium. The tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and rich beer-based broth come together beautifully to create a dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply seeking comfort on a chilly evening, this recipe is a perfect choice. Gather your ingredients, set aside some time to let the flavors meld, and get ready to savor every comforting spoonful of this classic Flemish Stew.