Hachee

• Prep time: 20 mins

• Cook time: 2.5 hrs

• Total time: 2 hrs 50 mins

• Servings: 6

• Country of origin: Netherlands

• Description: A classic Dutch stew made with braised beef, caramelized onions, bay leaves, cloves, and a touch of vinegar.

• Presentation: Served in shallow bowls over boiled potatoes or mashed potato stamppot alongside braised red cabbage.

• Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chuck steak or stewing beef, cubed

  • 4 large yellow onions, sliced into rings

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 2 cups beef stock

  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 4 whole cloves

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Step-by-step directions:

  • Melt butter in a heavy Dutch oven; sear beef cubes until browned on all sides, then remove beef.

  • Add sliced onions to same pot and cook on low heat for 15 minutes until caramelized.

  • Sprinkle flour over onions and stir well.

  • Return beef to pot and stir in beef stock, red wine vinegar, bay leaves, and cloves.

  • Bring to a gentle simmer, cover pot, and cook on low heat for 2 to 2.5 hours until beef is tender.

  • Season with salt and pepper; remove bay leaves and cloves before serving.

• Optional variations: Add a tablespoon of Dutch apple syrup (Appelstroop) for subtle sweetness.

• Cooking tips: Slow, low-temperature simmering is essential to break down chuck steak fibers into tender meat.

• Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 380 kcal

  • Fat: 20g

  • Carbohydrates: 14g

  • Protein: 36g