Belgian beef carbonnade

6 servings

Ingredients

Quantity Ingredient
4 tablespoons Flour
2 teaspoons Salt
1 teaspoon Pepper
1 teaspoon Paprika
3 pounds Round steak or chuck, cut into 1\" cubes
½ cup Butter or margarine
6 larges Onions, sliced
1 small Cheesecloth
1 Bay leaf
¼ teaspoon Dried thyme
½ cup Chopped celery leaves
3 tablespoons Brown sugar
2½ cup Beer
2 tablespoons Cider or malt vinegar
1 Garlic clove, halved
¼ cup Chopped parsley

Directions

This family dish is world renowned. The combination of beer, brown sugar and thyme blends into one delicate, pleasant flavor. Since the stew is twice as good reheated over low heat, make it for the family in a large quantity. It also freezes exceptionally well.

Blend together the 4 tablespoons flour, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika, in a large bowl. Roll the meat cubes in this mixture until they are well coated.

Melt the ½ cup butter or margarine in a large heavy metal saucepan.

Add the 6 large sliced onions, and saute' over medium heat until they are softened and tender. Be careful not to brown the onions. Remove the onions from the pan with a perforated spoon, pressing out as much fat as possible.

Place the same pan over high heat and sear the cubes of meat, a few at a time. This operation will give color to the finished carbonnade.

Return the onions and meat to the pan, and set it over low heat.

Tie together in a square cheesecloth the halved garlic clove, 1 bay leaf, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, and ½ cup chopped celery leaves.

Add this to the meat, sprinkle the ¼ cup chopped parsley on top, and add the 3 tablespoons brown sugar and 2½ cups beer. Bring to a simmer, while stirring, then cover tightly and poach over low heat until the meat is tender, about 1 ½ hours.

Discard the bouquet garni, or cheesecloth bag of seasonings. Add the 2 tablespoons vinegar. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Serve with a dish of boiled potatoes and a beet salad or pickled beets. Submitted By MICHAEL ORCHEKOWSKI On 08-02-95

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