Tafelspitz is a classic Austrian dish featuring tender boiled beef served with a flavorful broth, root vegetables, and traditional side dishes like apple-horseradish and chive sauce. This beloved meal is a staple in Viennese cuisine, offering a rich yet delicate flavor that makes it perfect for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients:

For the Meat and Broth:

2.2 lb (1 kg) beef rump or top round (Tafelspitz cut)

2.5 qt (2.4 l) water

1 tbsp salt

1 onion, halved and charred

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

1 leek, cleaned and sliced

¼ celery root, diced

1 parsley root, chopped

4 black peppercorns

1 bay leaf

3 sprigs fresh thyme

3 sprigs parsley

For the Apple-Horseradish Sauce:

2 apples, peeled and grated

2 tbsp freshly grated horseradish

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp sugar

For the Chive Sauce:

½ cup (120 ml) sour cream

2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Broth In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Place the beef into the boiling water and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Spices Add the charred onion, carrots, leek, celery root, parsley root, peppercorns, bay leaf, thyme, and parsley. Simmer gently for about 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is tender.

Step 3: Make the Sauces For the apple-horseradish sauce, mix grated apples, horseradish, lemon juice, and sugar. Let sit for 15 minutes. For the chive sauce, combine sour cream with chopped chives, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Serve the Tafelspitz Remove the beef from the broth and slice it into thick pieces. Strain the broth and serve it as a starter or alongside the meat. Serve with boiled potatoes, root vegetables from the broth, and the prepared sauces.

Serving: Tafelspitz is traditionally served with a bowl of broth, boiled potatoes, and side sauces like apple-horseradish and chive sauce for an authentic Austrian dining experience.

Tafelspitz is a true Austrian delicacy, combining tender beef, rich broth, and flavorful accompaniments. Perfect for a hearty and comforting meal, this dish showcases the elegance of Viennese cuisine.