Description
Sauerbraten is a classic German pot roast featuring tender beef, marinated in a mixture of vinegar, wine, and spices, then slow-cooked until melt-in-your-mouth tender. The dish is traditionally served with red cabbage, mashed potatoes, or potato dumplings, making it the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup beef broth
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon peppercorns
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
3–4 lb beef roast (chuck, rump, or round)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 medium onions, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the marinade: Combine red wine vinegar, beef broth, chopped onion, garlic, mustard seeds, peppercorns, bay leaves, cloves, allspice, salt, and sugar. Stir well and add the beef roast. Refrigerate for 12 hours to 3 days, turning the roast occasionally.
- Brown the meat: Remove the roast from the marinade, pat dry, and reserve the marinade. In a Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil and brown the roast on all sides for 4-5 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onion and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the tomato paste and broth: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the reserved marinade and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Slow cook the roast: Return the beef to the pot, cover, and cook on low for 2.5-3 hours until tender. Alternatively, cook at 325°F (165°C) in the oven for the same time.
- Finish the sauce: Remove the roast and stir in raisins if using. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
- Serve: Slice the beef and pour the gravy over it. Optionally, add sour cream. Serve with potato dumplings or mashed potatoes and red cabbage.
Notes
- For a pork version, substitute pork shoulder or pork loin, adjusting cooking time for tenderness.
- To spice up the dish, add chili peppers or chili powder to the marinade.
- For a vegetarian twist, replace beef with large mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 12 hours (marinating)
- Cook Time: 2.5-3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow cook
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
