Carbonnade Flamande is a Belgian dish made with beef and onions cooked in beer. The spelling of this word is based on French and Flemish influences, with the "carb-" prefix derived from French "carbon" meaning "coal" or "charcoal". The pronunciation is kɑrˈbnad flamɑnd, with the first syllable pronounced like "car" and the second syllable with a nasal vowel sound. The final "e" is silent, and the "flamande" part is pronounced with a long "a" sound like "ah".
Carbonnade Flamande is a traditional Belgian dish, specifically from the region of Flanders. The term "Carbonnade" refers to a slow-cooked stew, while "Flamande" highlights its origin in the Flemish cuisine.
Carbonnade Flamande is typically prepared using beef, typically beef chuck or stewing beef, which is cut into chunks or strips. The meat is usually marinated with a combination of strong Belgian beer (such as a brown ale), vinegar, and spices like thyme, bay leaves, and mustard. The marinated beef is then seared until browned, creating a rich and flavorful base.
To complete the stew, onions are caramelized in butter or oil until golden and sweet, and added to the pot along with the meat. Additionally, the marinade liquid, along with beef broth or stock, is poured into the pot to provide a savory, beer-infused sauce. The dish is then slowly cooked over low heat for several hours until the meat becomes tender and succulent.
Carbonnade Flamande is typically served with traditional Belgian accompaniments like fries or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. The stew offers a harmonious combination of flavors, with the maltiness from the beer, sweetness from the onions, and the meaty richness of the beef, creating a hearty and comforting dish.
Overall, Carbonnade Flamande is a quintessential Belgian dish that showcases the culinary heritage of the Flemish region, with its slow-cooked beef stew infused with beer and caramelized onions.
The word "Carbonnade" comes from the French term "carbonade" meaning "carbonated", which refers to the method of cooking meat with beer or other carbonated beverages. "Flamande" is derived from "Flemish", which relates to the region of Flanders, located in Belgium and also parts of France and the Netherlands. Therefore, "Carbonnade Flamande" is a term that signifies a Flemish-style stew, typically made with beef, onions, and cooked in beer.