VEGAN BELGIAN CARBONADE FLAMANDE (FLEMISH STEW)

seitan

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chickpeas

Tofu is lower in calories and chickpeas are budget-friendly.

dark beer

🥗Healthier: non-alcoholic beer

💰Cheaper: vegetable broth

Non-alcoholic beer offers similar flavor without alcohol.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: maple syrup

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Maple syrup adds a unique flavor, while white sugar is cost-effective.

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Add sliced onions and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add chopped carrots and mushrooms; cook for 5 minutes until softened.

Add seitan and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.

Pour in dark beer and vegetable broth; stir to combine.

Add soy sauce, brown sugar, thyme, and bay leaves; bring to a simmer.

Reduce heat to low and cover; cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry; stir into the pot to thicken.

Cook for an additional 5 minutes until sauce is thickened.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: