Carnonnades Flamandes

Description
Flemish Beef Stew
 * Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
 * Makes 6 to 8 Servings.

Ingredients

 * 2 pounds stew beef
 * salt and pepper
 * 4 tbsp olive oil
 * ½ pound onion, sliced
 * 1 tbsp brown sugar
 * 2 tbsp vinegar
 * 1 quart beer
 * thyme
 * bay leaves
 * 1 large baking potato, cubed (optional)
 * 2 cups sliced carrots (optional)
 * 4 thick slices French bread
 * Dijon mustard
 * cooked rice

Directions

 * 1) Season meat with salt and pepper.
 * 2) Brown in oil.
 * 3) Remove meat in large kettle.
 * 4) Sauté onions in same pan.
 * 5) Sprinkle brown sugar over onions land cook a few minutes more.
 * 6) Deglaze pan with vinegar and pour pan contents into kettle with meat.
 * 7) Cover with beer, thyme and bay leaves to taste.
 * 8) Add potato and carrots, if desired.
 * 9) Remove crusts from bread and coat generously with Dijon mustard.
 * 10) Place bread on top and bring to a boil.
 * 11) Turn down to a simmer and cook, covered, for 2 hours.
 * 12) When stew is stirred, bread will dissolve and thicken the stew.
 * 13) Serve over rice.
 * 14) Variation: add more Dijon mustard according to your taste.
 * 15) Stew can be cooked uncovered if you prefer it thicker.