Flemish Beef Stew
Serve with Buttered noodles and steamed Swiss chard. Dessert: A bakery Linzertorte.
Serve with Buttered noodles and steamed Swiss chard. Dessert: A bakery Linzertorte.
- Carbohydrate 25 g(8%)
- Cholesterol 246 mg(82%)
- Fat 64 g(98%)
- Fiber 3 g(10%)
- Protein 62 g(124%)
- Saturated Fat 25 g(123%)
- Sodium 1447 mg(60%)
- Calories 948
Step-by-step
- Cook bacon in heavy large pot over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Reserve bacon drippings in pot.
- Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper. Place flour in large bowl. Toss meat in flour, shaking off excess and reserving remaining flour in bowl. Heat drippings in pot over medium-high heat. Working in 2 batches, add beef to pot and cook until just browned, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer meat to large bowl.
- Add onion and garlic to pot and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add remaining flour and stir 1 minute. Mix in broth, beer, tomato paste, 2 tablespoons thyme, and sugar. Reduce heat to medium; simmer until mixture thickens slightly, scraping up browned bits, about 15 minutes. Add beef, 1 tablespoon thyme, and 3 tablespoons parsley.
- Simmer until beef is cooked as desired, about 5 minutes for medium-rare. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer stew to bowls, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon parsley and reserved bacon bits, and serve.
A Busy Mom's Comfort Food: Flemish Beef Stew
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between school runs, work deadlines, and keeping the house somewhat tidy, finding time for anything beyond basic survival feels like a luxury. But there's something deeply satisfying about creating a comforting, delicious meal for my family after a long day. That's where this Flemish Beef Stew comes in. It's a hearty, flavorful dish that's surprisingly easy to make, despite its rich and complex taste. And the best part? Much of the cooking time involves minimal effort, allowing me to multitask and actually enjoy a bit of downtime while the stew simmers.
I discovered this recipe while browsing through a collection of old family cookbooks. The rich, dark gravy, the tender beef, the subtle sweetness of the brown sugar – it's the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. The initial prep work, admittedly, takes a bit of time, but it's more chopping and browning than anything overly technical. Once the stew is simmering away, I can focus on other tasks. Maybe I'll catch up on emails, read a chapter of my book, or even just have a moment of quiet before the kids come charging back in. The aroma alone is enough to fill the house with warmth and anticipation.
What makes this stew so special? It's the blend of flavors. The savory depth of the beef, the slight bitterness of the beer, the sweetness of the brown sugar, and the earthy notes of thyme all come together to create a harmony of taste that's simply irresistible. And the best part is, it gets even better the next day! The flavors have time to meld and deepen, making leftovers just as delicious, if not more so. This is crucial for me; having leftovers means one less meal to cook during the busy week.
I usually serve this stew with a simple side of buttery noodles, allowing the kids to enjoy something familiar alongside the richer flavors of the stew. Sometimes I’ll add steamed Swiss chard for a touch of greenery and extra nutrients. And for a special treat, a slice of Linzertorte from our local bakery adds the perfect sweet finish to a perfect family dinner.
This isn’t just a recipe; it's a little piece of calm in my hectic life. It's a meal that nourishes not just the body, but the soul too. The act of preparing something so delicious and comforting is a small act of self-care amidst the chaos, a reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple joys of family and good food.
This Flemish Beef Stew is more than just a meal; it's a ritual, a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. It’s a testament to the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories.
Serving Suggestions:
- Buttered noodles
- Steamed Swiss chard
- Mashed potatoes
- Crust bread for dipping
Dessert Pairing: A slice of Linzertorte is the perfect sweet complement to the richness of the stew.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.
