Carbonade Valdostana

Carbonade valdostana is a rich Italian beef stew originating from the Aosta valley. It is prepared with a combination of beef (cut into cubes or strips), onions, flour, butter, red wine, and herbs and spices such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange peel, and bay leaves. Once the stew has been prepared, it is traditionally served piping hot over polenta, but it can also be served with garlic mashed potatoes or pappardelle pasta. Originally, the dish was prepared with beef that was preserved in salt, but nowadays regular beef is more often used in the preparation of carbonade. It is recommended to serve this stew with full-bodied red wines such as Barbaresco, Brunello di Montalcino, or Barolo.