Belgian Beer Beef Stew

The flavor of this stew is amazing! Picking a good Belgian ale and browning the meat is key here. This is a great recipe for a busy day because you can add all ingredients into the pot and forget about it for several hours. Next time you want a beef stew, this is the recipe you need to try!

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1/4 of dish

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck roast cut into bite sized pieces (optional meat: any well-marbled stew meat)
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt – divided
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion – thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves – chopped
• 2 cups – Belgian ale
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley – chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Directions:

1. In a gallon zip lock bag, combine beef chunks, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper and the flour, toss to evenly coat.
2. Heat a large pot over high heat, add butter and oil. Once butter has melted, add meat to brown evenly. Remove browned meat and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low, add onions and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, cook until onion is golden brown – add garlic.
4. Return meat to pot, add beer, herbs, vinegar and brown sugar and bring to a simmer. Cover pot in a way that allows ventilation and simmer for 3 hours or until meat is tender.
5. Before serving stir in mustard and any additional salt and pepper to taste.
   • Cooking notes:
     • You can make this dish in the oven, venting lid at 325*F for 3 hours.
     • Stew can be made up to 2 days ahead and warmed over low heat on stove top.

Nutrition Information:
Per serving: Calories: 378; Total Fat: 17g;  Cholesterol: 98mg; Sodium: 162mg; Total Carbohydrates: 20g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugars: 8g; Protein: 25g
Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 76mg; Vitamin A: 5%; Vitamin C: 6%; Calcium: 13%; Iron: 16%

Modified from: Rodriguez, Ashley. “Flemish Beef Stew.” Recipe. Date Night In: more than 120 recipes to nourish your relationship. New York: Perseus Books, LLC, 2014. 254-55. Print