Tafelspitz

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

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.

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.

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.

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.