Rheinischer Sauerbraten: Marinated beef roast.
Rheinischer Sauerbraten is a traditional German pot roast, usually of beef (but other meats such as lamb, mutton, pork, and traditionally, horse), marinated before slow cooking as pot roast. The Sauerbraten marinating process involves a mixture of vinegar or wine, water, and a variety of seasonings, which makes the beef tender and flavorful. The meat is then seared and slow-cooked with the marinade and additional ingredients such as raisins, which add a mild sweetness to counteract the sourness of the vinegar. This dish is typically served with red cabbage, potato dumplings, or boiled potatoes, making it a hearty and satisfying meal that delivers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
Introduction:
Welcome to our culinary journey! Today, I'm delighted to share with you a recipe that's been on my list for ages—a traditional Rhineland Sauerbraten. This German pot roast is marinated in a tangy mixture before cooking, resulting in a dish that is bursting with deep, rich flavors. So roll up your sleeves and let's create a meal that's perfect for a hearty dinner with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 sizable beef rump or round roast
- For the marinade:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, roughly chopped
- Approx. 200g celery, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- Salt to taste
- 500ml red wine vinegar
- Spices: Mustard seeds, coriander seeds, a few bay leaves
- 1 bottle of red wine, choose one that you would also enjoy drinking
- Additional:
- 70ml red wine vinegar (for finishing the marinade before adding the meat)
- Water, as needed to cover the meat
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste (for the sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 4 to 7 days of marinating time)
Cook Time: 3-4 hours
Total Time: 3-4 hours cooking + 30 minutes active prep + marinating time
Equipment: Large pot, cutting board, knife, marinating container, strainer, roasting pan
Servings: 4-6
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing the marinade. In a large pot, combine the chopped vegetables, 1 tablespoon of sugar, the spices, and salt to taste. Pour in the bottle of red wine.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it simmer for a few minutes until the flavor of the spices infuses the liquid. This also allows some of the alcohol to evaporate.
3. Allow the marinade to cool completely—this is crucial before adding the meat to prevent it from cooking.
4. Once the marinade is cool, place the beef in a suitable marinating container and pour 70ml of red wine vinegar over it. Add cold water until the meat is completely submerged.
5. Cover the container and let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for at least four days, preferably for a full week to fully develop the flavors.
6. After marinating, remove the meat from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Dry it thoroughly with paper towels.
7. Strain the marinade to separate the vegetables from the liquid. Reserve both the vegetables and the marinade liquid.
8. In a roasting pan, sear the meat on all sides to develop a nice color. Add the strained vegetables and sauté them with the meat.
9. Stir in 1 teaspoon of tomato paste and let it roast slightly before deglazing the pan with a bit of the reserved marinade liquid.
10. Allow the wine from the marinade to cook off before adding more liquid. Repeat this process two more times.
11. Season the roast with salt and pepper and add the remainder of the marinade liquid.
12. Cover the roasting pan and braise the meat in a preheated oven at 355°F (180°C) for about 3-4 hours, or until the meat is very tender and falls apart with a fork.
13. Serve the Sauerbraten sliced, accompanied by the rich sauce from the roasting pan. It pairs excellently with potato dumplings, red cabbage, and a spoonful of lingonberry jam.
Cooking Tip: Take care when searing the meat; the sugar and red wine can cause it to darken more than a typical roast. This recipe derives its unique character from the marinating process.
Attribution:
This recipe was authored by Thomas kocht on their YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@Thomaskocht.
#german #traditionalcooking #marinated #hearty
YouTube channel - Thomas kocht: https://www.youtube.com/@Thomaskocht
Rheinischer Sauerbraten: Marinated beef roast.
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