Carbonnade flamande

INGREDIENTS

• 1¼kg stewing beef , cut into 4cm cubes
• 400ml Trappist ale such as Leffe or Chimay, or other dark ale
• 3 garlic cloves , lightly crushed
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 tbsp plain flour , seasoned with salt and pepper
• 2-3 tbsp olive oil
• 250g diced pancetta
• 2 carrots , sliced
• 2 onions , sliced
• 1 leek , sliced
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 350ml beef stock
• 1 bouquet garni (a small bunch of thyme , parsley stalks, a bay leaf and about 6 peppercorns tied in muslin)
• a handful of parsley , chopped