Photo: Sauerbraten Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 large onions, cut into large chunks
- 5 cloves garlic; 3 crushed, 2 chopped
- 10 sprigs fresh thyme, plus 1 tablespoon chopped leaves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon juniper berries (available in the spice aisle)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 3-to-4-pound boneless beef top chuck roast
- Kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons crushed gingersnap cookies
- Freshly ground pepper
- Spaetzle, for serving (see page 152)
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
Combine 2 cups broth, the wine, vinegar, 1 chopped onion, the crushed garlic, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, juniper berries, peppercorns and cloves in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Place the beef in a large resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days, turning daily.
Preheat the oven to 350. Remove the meat from the marinade and pat dry; season with salt. Strain the marinade, discarding the solids. Heat a large ovenproof pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the meat and brown on all sides, 10 to 12 minutes, then transfer to a plate. Add the carrots, celery and the remaining onion to the pot and cook until slightly softened, 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped garlic and chopped thyme and cook 1 minute. Sprinkle in the flour and cook 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the strained marinade and the remaining 1 cup broth and bring to a simmer. Return the meat to the pot, cover and cook in the oven until tender, 2 hours 30 minutes.
Remove the meat and transfer to a plate. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk in the gingersnaps and simmer until thickened; season with salt and pepper. Thinly slice the meat; serve with spaetzle, the vegetables and sauce and sour cream, if desired. Top with parsley.
Photograph by Kate Mathis
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By Kimi29
Kearney, MO
on November 18, 2011
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I have now made this recipe 3 times and it turns out fantastic! BOth of my teenagers (who are picky eathers love it! I found Juniper berries at my local German market. We like to serve it with potato dumplings.
By paulocordonbleu
Le Nord
on July 24, 2011
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This recipe was definitely worth the time of marinating for 3 days. I couldn't find juniper berries so I added a few tblspns of vermouth and a couple allspice berries. The final sauce had a nice tangy flavor that wasn't overpowering or too acidic. I cooked the beef for only 2.25 hrs (3.5lb roast and it was perfectly moist and tender. I added an extra tblspn of ginger snaps since I like the taste of them, and even then, they didn't shine through too much. Extra carrots and celery was added as per other suggestions and I would recommend that also. If you love german cuisine, you'll love this recipe!
By Mom_nCali
Redlands, CA
on March 11, 2011
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Wow! This recipe was awesome. My husband spent 5 years in Germany when his dad was stationed on a now closed AFB and grew up enjoying wonderful Germany meals. He was so excited when I decided to give this a try. He was so pleased as was our daughter. The house smelled so good when it was cooking.
The only thing I changed right away was the number of carrots. I actually cooked 4 as 2 carrots total was certainly not enough. Next time I am going to cook 6 carrots (2 per person.
I also did not add the Juniper Berries as I could not find them.
I served this with mashed potatoes and blueberry muffins but I think it would also taste great over egg noodles.
Can't wait to make this again!
Read all 8 reviews