How to Cook Sauerbraten: A Delicious German Pot Roast

If you're looking to add some international flair to your holiday season, why not try cooking sauerbraten? This traditional German dish is a succulent pot roast that can be made with various meats like beef, lamb, mutton, pork, or even horse (though this is less common nowadays). Sauerbraten is known for its unique and mouthwatering flavor, thanks to its marinating process and slow cooking method. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking sauerbraten, step by step.

Ingredients

To start cooking sauerbraten, you will need the following ingredients:

• 3 to 4 pounds of meat (beef, lamb, mutton, or pork)
• 2 cups of red wine
• 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup of water
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of whole cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns
• Vegetable oil for browning

Marinating the Meat

Step one in cooking sauerbraten is marinating the meat. In a large bowl, combine the red wine, apple cider vinegar, water, diced onion, chopped carrots, minced garlic, whole cloves, bay leaves, sugar, salt, and black peppercorns. Submerge the meat in this mixture and make sure it is fully covered. Keep the bowl in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, turning the meat occasionally to ensure even marination. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the sauerbraten will be!

Slow Cooking the Meat

Once the marination period is over, it's time to cook the sauerbraten. Start by removing the meat from the marinade mixture and patting it dry with paper towels. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the meat on all sides, sealing in the flavors. This will take about 5-7 minutes.

Next, pour the marinade mixture into the pot, making sure the meat is submerged. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and starts to fall apart. The slow cooking process will further enhance the taste and tenderness of the sauerbraten.

Finishing Touches

Once the meat is cooked to perfection, remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the sauerbraten into thin pieces and arrange them on a serving platter. You can strain the remaining liquid in the pot and serve it alongside the meat as a flavorful sauce.

Traditionally, sauerbraten is served with side dishes like potato dumplings, spaetzle (German noodles), or roasted potatoes. These accompaniments perfectly complement the rich flavors of the pot roast.

Conclusion

Cooking sauerbraten requires a bit of patience, but the end result is definitely worth the wait. This German pot roast, marinated for days and slow-cooked to tender perfection, will be the star of your holiday feast. Whether you choose beef, lamb, mutton, pork, or even horse as the main meat, the flavors of sauerbraten will undoubtedly impress your family and friends.

So why not give sauerbraten a try this holiday season? Delight your taste buds with this traditional German dish that combines the goodness of marinated pot roast and slow cooking. It's a surefire way to make your holiday celebrations memorable and mouthwatering. Prost (cheers) to a delicious sauerbraten feast!