The carbonada a la flamenca is a traditional Belgian stew that combines veal with caramelised onions and beer, resulting in a dish of deep, comforting flavours.
Ingredients (for 4 people):
- 1 kg of cleaned veal (chump, shoulder, shank or knuckle of lamb)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 large onions
- 30 g butter
- 750 ml Belgian beer (ABBAYE, Leffe or other dark beer)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 4 slices of gingerbread
- Mustard to taste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Elaboration:
- Prepare the meat: Cut the veal into medium pieces. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the meat on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.
- Cook the onions: In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the thickly sliced onions and cook until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Add the brown sugar, mix well and allow to caramelise slightly.
- Add the meat: Return the meat to the pan with the onions. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to combine.
- Add the beer: Pour in the beer to cover the meat. Bring to the boil and then reduce heat to a minimum.
- Add the gingerbread: Spread the bread slices with mustard and place them on top of the meat. In a few minutes, the bread will dissolve, thickening the sauce.
- Slow cooking: Cover and simmer over very low heat for 2½ to 3½ hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes. If the sauce is too runny, uncover the pan in the last half hour to thicken.
- Adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
Additional advice:
- Use a quality Belgian beer to enhance the flavour of the stew.
- If you don't have gingerbread, you can use bread add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the sauce.
- This dish improves in flavour if prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavours to integrate better.
Suggested presentation:
- Serve the carbonada with boiled carrots and fried potatoes on the side, as is traditional.
Preparation time:
- 2½ to 3½ hours.
Calories and nutritional data (per approximate serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Fats: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fibre: 4 g
Enjoy this carbonada a la flamencaa dish that combines tradition and flavour, perfect for sharing at a special meal.
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I just want to thank you for this wonderful website with such appetizing and well explained dishes. I love how easy and intuitive it is and the approach you take. Thank you for sharing all this. Elena
Thank you very much Elena. It is a great satisfaction to receive these opinions, it gives me a lot of encouragement to continue. Don't hesitate to tell me any recipe you would like me to include or any change you think is good. A kiss. Bel.