Sauerbraten
3 1/2 pound eye of round, approximate weight
8 ounces large-diced onion
6 ounces large-diced carrot
6 ounces large-diced celery
1 quart Brown beef stock
1 cup red wine vinegar
1 1/2 cup burgandy wine (pinot noir)
2 ounces brown sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 1/2 ts black pepper
3 whole cloves
3 whole allspice, crushed
1/4 stick cinnamon
1/2 tablespoon crushed corriander
1/2 tablespoon dry mustard
1/2 tablespoon chopped juniper berries
1 cup finely crushed gingersnap crumbs, or more
- Mix all liquids, spices and vegetables. Place the meat in a
large ziplock bag and pour marinade around, or use a very clean
glass or ceramic casserole. (Using metal will affect flavor.) Marinate for four
days, turning with clean utensils twice daily, or flipping bag
once daily.
- Remove meat from marinade. Strain the marinade, reserving both
vegetables and liquid seperately.
- Over high heat, heat enough oil to coat the bottom of a large
roasting pot until just smoking. Add the meat and, turning
quickly to prevent burning, sear the meat on all sides. Remove
the meat to a platter.
- Add vegetables. Cook over high heat until vegetables are a
deep brown color. Add a cup of the marinate and deglaze the bottom
of the pot, scraping gently to loosen cooked deposits.
- Add remaining marinate and bring to a boil; add meat. Marinade
should cover meat by half or more; if needed, add more stock and
wine in equal parts.
- Put in a 325° oven tightly covered and braise until fork
tender, about two hours. When a meat fork is inserted into the
eye of round, it should go in with little or no resistence.
- Remove meat to a plater; straing marinade and discard
vegetables. Bring marinade to a boil, reduce heat and whisk in
cookie crumbs a little at a time, until sauce is thickened. Slice
meat and serve, covered with sauce, with buttered spaetzle.