Carbonnade

Carbonnade is an old-fashioned Belgian stew made with beef and dark beer. It's also known as carbonade flamande or stoverij, and it's made with simple ingredients but yields a rich and hearty dish. Although beef is the main ingredient in carbonnade, the traditional Belgian dark beer is essential to the dish.

It adds sour and earthy flavors to the dish that complement the sweet onions and tender beef perfectly. Thyme, garlic, and bay leaves are added for flavor, and mustard bread slices are sometimes added to thicken the sauce.

In Ghent, the dish frequently includes kidneys and liver. On the side, carbonnade is typically served with mashed potatoes, traditional Belgian fries, bread, or vegetables. It is suggested that the dish be paired with a glass of full-bodied Belgian beer.