Carbonade flamande
Flemish stew, alternatively spelt carbonnade or à la flamande is a Belgian beef and onion stew made with beer, and seasoned with thyme, bay leaves and mustard. Mushrooms or spiced bread can also be added. The term carbonade may also refer to a dish of grilled pork loin and certain beef stews cooked with red wine such as beef bourguignon in the east of France, but is more commonly associated with the Belgian dish.
The type of beer used is important, and an Oud bruin, Brune Abbey beer or Flanders red is the beer of choice with a somewhat bitter-sour flavour. In addition to this and to enhance the sweet-sour flavour, just before serving, it has a small amount of cider or wine vinegar and either brown sugar or red currant jelly stirred in.
It is often accompanied by french fries, boiled potatoes or stoemp. It is widely available in restaurants and friteries in Belgium and the Netherlands.
