Follow these steps for perfect results
water
red wine vinegar
whole cloves
bay leaves
salt
brown sugar
boneless beef chuck roast
all-purpose flour
canola oil
onion
cut into wedges
carrots
cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
celery ribs
cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
In a large bowl, combine water, red wine vinegar, cloves, bay leaves, salt, and brown sugar to make the marinade.
Reserve 2 cups of the marinade and refrigerate.
Pour the remaining marinade into a resealable plastic bag.
Add the beef roast to the bag, seal, and turn to coat.
Refrigerate the marinating beef for 1-2 days, turning twice each day.
Discard the marinade and spices from the bag.
Pat the roast dry.
Dredge the roast in all-purpose flour.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the roast in canola oil on all sides.
Transfer the browned roast to a small roasting pan.
Add onion wedges, carrot pieces, celery pieces, and the reserved marinade to the roasting pan.
Cover the roasting pan and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 3 to 3-1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
Remove the meat and vegetables to a serving platter using a slotted spoon.
Strain the cooking juices.
Thicken the strained juices if desired to create a gravy.
Serve the Sauerbraten with the gravy.
Expert advice for the best results
For a richer flavor, use beef broth instead of water in the marinade.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the gravy for extra tanginess.
Serve with potato dumplings or spaetzle for a traditional German meal.
Everything you need to know before you start
20 minutes
Can be marinated 1-2 days in advance.
Arrange slices of Sauerbraten on a plate, spoon gravy over the meat and serve vegetables alongside. Garnish with parsley.
Serve with potato dumplings or spaetzle.
Serve with red cabbage.
Accompany with a crusty bread.
The slight sweetness and high acidity of Riesling pair well with the sourness of the Sauerbraten.
The malty flavors of a Dunkel complement the savory beef.
Discover the story behind this recipe
Sauerbraten is considered one of the national dishes of Germany.
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