Classic French Flemish Beef Stew

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Gather the ingredients.

2. Step 2

   In a large bowl, toss together the beef, flour, salt, and pepper.

3. Step 3

   Heat the canola oil and butter in a large, roomy pan and brown the beef in it on all sides in batches. If you add all the beef at once it will lower the temperature too much and the meat will boil rather than sear. Carefully watch the beef to make sure it doesn’t burn though, but give it enough time to develop a nice, rich brown color–the caramelized sugars will greatly enhance the stew’s flavor.

4. Step 4

   Place all the beef back in the pan once browned and add the onions, garlic, brown sugar, parsley, bay leaf, and thyme and stir thoroughly. The onions will pick up a bit of the browned bits in the bottom of the pan.

5. Step 5

   Raise the heat under the pan and stir in the beer and add enough beef stock to cover the beef in the pan. Bring to a boil, then cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until the beef is tender. Keep checking to make sure the beef is simmering and not boiling dry. If it seems a little dry, add a touch more stock. The liquid in the pan also should be thickening slightly. 

6. Step 6

   Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar. Let the stew stand for 10 minutes before serving. Portion into heated bowls with the potatoes and salad on the side. 

7. Step 7

   Enjoy! Note: If you are able to make this stew a day or two in advance, you will find it is even better. And, if this dish is not already magnificent, it freezes beautifully, so make a large batch and store it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to six months. Defrost thoroughly before reheating.