Belgian Beef Stew in an Incredibly Delicious Sauce

Belgian Beef Stew

Belgian Beef Stew in an Incredibly Delicious Sauce

There's nothing quite like the rich, comforting flavors of a slow-cooked beef stew. This traditional Belgian recipe takes it to the next level with a tangy-sweet marinade and a thick, flavorful sauce. The combination of vinegar, brown sugar, apple syrup, and gingerbread creates an unforgettable depth of taste.

Follow this easy recipe to prepare a mouthwatering beef stew that pairs perfectly with crispy fries and a dollop of mayonnaise!

Ingredients

For the Marinade

• 1 kg stew meat (such as beef chuck or brisket)

• 500 ml vinegar

• 500 ml water

• 4 bay leaves

• 4 cloves

For the Stew

• 2 tbsp sunflower oil

• 2 sliced onions

• 160 g brown sugar

• 6 tbsp apple syrup

• 4 cubes of gingerbread

• 30 ml Tabasco Chipotle (optional)

• 2 tbsp butter

For Serving

• Fresh fries

• Chopped parsley

• Mayonnaise

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Meat

• In a large bowl, combine the stew meat, vinegar, water, bay leaves, and cloves. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat

• The next day, remove the meat from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Reserve the marinade for later use.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

• Heat 2 tbsp of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meat in batches to get a nice caramelized crust. Remove the meat and set it aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Onions

• In the same pot, add 2 tbsp of sunflower oil and sauté the sliced onions for about 10 minutes until soft and golden.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

• Pour the reserved marinade into the pot with the onions. Stir in the brown sugar and apple syrup, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Slow Cook the Stew

• Return the browned meat to the pot, ensuring it is fully submerged in the sauce. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for at least 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

• Add the cubes of gingerbread and stir until they dissolve completely, thickening the sauce beautifully. If you want an extra smoky kick, mix in 30 ml of Tabasco Chipotle.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

• Plate up your rich and flavorful beef stew with crispy fries, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and a dollop of creamy mayonnaise. Enjoy this comforting Belgian classic with friends and family!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Flavorful: The marinade gives the beef an incredible depth of taste.

• Perfectly Tender Meat: Slow-cooking ensures juicy, fall-apart beef.

• Unique Sauce: The combination of apple syrup and gingerbread creates an unforgettable flavor.

Try this recipe today and experience the magic of Belgian cuisine! Let us know how it turns out in the comments.

Happy cooking!

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