clintonbee
Culinary Explorer
I recently tried making Austrian Tafelspitz, and it turned out to be a heartwarming and flavorful dish! This traditional Austrian meal features tender boiled beef served with a variety of accompaniments, making it a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for a family dinner. Here’s how you can make this classic Austrian dish at home:
Ingredients:
For the Tafelspitz:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef rump or shoulder
- 1 large onion, halved
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into large pieces
- 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into large pieces
- 1 leek, cleaned and cut into large pieces
- 2 celery stalks, cut into large pieces
- 1 bay leaf
- 6-8 black peppercorns
- 2 cloves
- 4-5 sprigs of fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Water
For the Accompaniments:
- Horseradish sauce (freshly grated horseradish mixed with a bit of cream or vinegar)
- Apple-horseradish sauce
- Chive sauce (chopped chives mixed with sour cream or crème fraîche)
- Boiled potatoes
- Creamed spinach
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broth:
- In a large pot, add the beef and cover it with cold water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
- Add the halved onion (you can char the cut side in a dry pan for extra flavor), carrots, parsnips, leek, celery, bay leaf, peppercorns, cloves, and parsley to the pot.
- Season with salt and let it simmer gently for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender. Add more water if necessary to keep the beef covered.
2. Prepare the Accompaniments:
- While the beef is simmering, prepare the accompaniments. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the horseradish sauce by mixing freshly grated horseradish with a bit of cream or vinegar to your taste.
- Make the chive sauce by combining chopped chives with sour cream or crème fraîche, seasoning with a little salt and pepper.
- For the creamed spinach, cook the spinach in a little butter, add cream, and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
3. Finish and Serve:
- Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and slice it against the grain.
- Strain the broth and serve it as a starter soup, if desired.
- Serve the sliced beef with the boiled potatoes, creamed spinach, and various sauces on the side.
Conclusion
Austrian Tafelspitz is a comforting and delicious dish that brings a taste of Austria right to your table. The tender beef, cooked to perfection in a flavorful broth, paired with a variety of savory accompaniments, creates a meal that is both hearty and satisfying. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, Tafelspitz is sure to impress with its rich flavors and traditional charm. Enjoy!
