Traditional Dutch Hachee Recipe: A Hearty Beef and Onion Stew

Ingredients

  • 500g beef chuck, cut into cubes
  • 50g unsalted butter
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 cloves
  • 4 Juniper berries
  • 150ml red wine vinegar
  • 500ml beef stock
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple syrup
  • 2 thick slices of gingerbread
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the beef cubes to the pan and brown on all sides. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions become translucent.
  4. Return the beef to the pan and add the bay leaves, cloves, and juniper berries.
  5. Add the red wine vinegar to the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
  6. Add the beef stock, brown sugar, and apple syrup to the pan. Stir well to combine.
  7. Place the slices of gingerbread on top of the stew, pushing them down slightly so they can soak up the liquid.
  8. Allow the hachee to simmer on low heat for about 3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. During this time, occasionally stir the stew and break up the gingerbread slices.
  9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Before serving, remove the bay leaves, cloves, and juniper berries. Serve the hachee hot.

Tools for making

  • Large pan - A pan large enough to brown the beef and cook the stew.
  • Stirring spoon - A spoon for stirring and combining the ingredients in the pan.
  • Chef's knife - A sharp knife for cutting the beef and chopping the onions.
  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface for safely cutting ingredients.
  • Measuring cups - Cups for accurately measuring the red wine vinegar, beef stock, and apple syrup.
  • Measuring spoons - Spoons for precise measurement of brown sugar and other spices.
  • Garlic mincer - A tool for easily mincing the garlic cloves.
  • Spatula - A tool for flipping the beef cubes while browning.
  • Saucepan - A smaller pan to melt the butter.
  • Tongs - Utensils for safely handling the hot beef cubes.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute beef with pork or lamb for a different flavor.
  • Add chopped carrots and potatoes to make it a hearty one-pot meal.
  • Include a tablespoon of mustard for a tangy kick.
  • Add a splash of red wine or beer for extra depth of flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with mushrooms or tofu.
  • Experiment with different spices like thyme, rosemary, or paprika.
  • Add a handful of raisins or prunes for a touch of sweetness.
  • Try using different types of vinegar, such as balsamic or cider vinegar.
  • Serve the hachee over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes instead of bread.
  • Top the hachee with crispy bacon or fried onions for added texture.

Recipe overview

Hachee is a traditional Dutch stew made with beef and onions, simmered in a rich and flavorful gravy. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for cold winter days. The distinctive flavor of Hachee comes from the combination of red wine vinegar, brown sugar, and apple syrup, which gives the stew its characteristic sweet and sour taste. The unique addition of gingerbread not only thickens the sauce but also enhances its complexity, making Hachee a culinary experience you won't forget. Although it takes some time to cook, the preparation is straightforward, and the result is incredibly rewarding. So get ready to simmer and enjoy the mouthwatering aroma of Hachee filling your kitchen!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef chuck? Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as stewing beef or beef brisket as a substitute.
  2. Can I use vegetable stock instead of beef stock? Yes, you can use vegetable stock if you prefer a vegetarian version of hachee.
  3. Can I prepare hachee in advance? Yes, hachee actually tastes even better when prepared in advance as the flavors have more time to develop. Simply reheat it before serving.
  4. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, hachee freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
  5. What can I serve hachee with? Hachee is traditionally served with mashed potatoes, but it also goes well with boiled potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pan - A large pan is needed to brown the beef and simmer the hachee.
  • Spatula - Useful for stirring and flipping the beef while browning.
  • Chef's knife - Needed to chop the onions and mince the garlic.
  • Measuring cups - Required to accurately measure the red wine vinegar, beef stock, and apple syrup.
  • Wooden spoon - Useful for stirring and combining the ingredients in the pan.
  • Tongs - Helpful for removing the bay leaves, cloves, and juniper berries from the hachee before serving.
  • Serving dish - A dish or plate to serve the hachee.
  • Garnish - Optional, but you might want to consider garnishing the hachee with some fresh parsley or thyme.

Origin stories

Hachee is a traditional Dutch dish that dates back to the Middle Ages, a time when preserving food was of utmost importance. The word 'hachee' comes from the French verb 'hacher', which means 'to chop'. This stewed meat dish was a clever and tasty way to use up leftover meat, which would be chopped up and cooked slowly in a flavorful broth until tender. Hachee is traditionally prepared with onions, vinegar, and spices such as bay leaves and cloves, giving it a characteristic sweet and sour flavor. Typically, it's served over potatoes or rice, making it a hearty, comforting meal, particularly beloved during the cold Dutch winters. Its simplicity and depth of flavor have secured its place as a beloved staple in Dutch cuisine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.