Belgian-style Beef Stew

Ingredients

While Bife Koygua is a Paraguayan beef stew made with tomatoes and various vegetables, Flemish Beef Delight is a Belgian-style beef stew that incorporates Belgian beer and aromatic herbs. The use of beer adds a distinct flavor profile to the dish, giving it a rich and complex taste. Additionally, Flemish Beef Delight is traditionally served with crispy fries or crusty bread, which is a departure from the Paraguayan cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Bife koygua, so you can check it out.

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) beef chuck, cut into chunks 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 2 onions, sliced 2 onions, sliced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 2 sprigs of thyme 2 sprigs of thyme
• 500 ml (2 cups) Belgian beer (such as Trappist beer) 500 ml (2 cups) Belgian beer (such as Trappist beer)
• 500 ml (2 cups) beef broth 500 ml (2 cups) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons flour 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 3g
• Protein: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the beef chunks and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
3. 3.
   Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring well to coat them. Cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
4. 4.
   Return the beef to the pot and add the sliced carrots, bay leaves, and thyme sprigs. Season with salt and pepper.
5. 5.
   Pour in the Belgian beer and beef broth, ensuring that the meat is fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
6. 6.
   Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily falls apart.
7. 7.
   Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs from the stew. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the Flemish Beef Delight hot with crispy fries or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef chuck — Choose well-marbled beef chuck for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Belgian beer — Opt for a flavorful Belgian beer, such as Trappist beer, to enhance the taste of the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For a deeper flavor, marinate the beef chunks in Belgian beer overnight before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Serve the stew with a dollop of tangy mustard on the side for an extra kick of flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Flemish Beef Delight in deep bowls, allowing the tender beef and flavorful gravy to take center stage. Accompany it with a side of crispy fries or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Flemish Beef Delight with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme leaves to add a pop of color. Serve it in rustic ceramic bowls for a cozy and inviting presentation.