Vienna Boiled Beef(Weiner Tafelspitz)

Cook: 90 min Cuisine: Austrian

Vienna Boiled Beef, a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender beef and aromatic vegetables, perfect for comforting family meals or traditional gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • water
  • 2 large carrots, cut in thin sticks
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 celery stalks, cut in thin strips
  • 3 pounds beef brisket
  • 2 leeks (white part only)
  • 2 gherkins
  • 1 onion, cut in rings
  • parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 quarts of water with 1 teaspoon of salt.
  2. Add the beef brisket and bring to a boil. Skim foam from the surface until clear.
  3. Partially cover the pot and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
  4. Cut the leeks into 2-inch pieces, then cut them in half lengthwise.
  5. Add the leeks, onion, carrots, and celery to the beef.
  6. Cook until the beef and vegetables are tender.
  7. Cut the beef into 1/2-inch slices.
  8. Cut the gherkins lengthwise into thin slices, leaving one end uncut.
  9. Arrange the beef slices in a fan shape; garnish with gherkins.
  10. Serve the vegetables in a separate dish with 4 tablespoons of the cooking liquid spooned over them.
  11. Garnish with parsley and serve with Swedish mayonnaise.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your Vienna Boiled Beef, consider adding a bay leaf or a few peppercorns to the cooking water. If you don't have brisket, a chuck roast can be a suitable substitute. For a richer broth, you might roast the beef slightly before boiling. Remember to skim the foam properly for a clearer broth, which is essential for this dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Vienna Boiled Beef with the vegetables arranged separately, drizzled with some of the cooking liquid. It pairs beautifully with Swedish mayonnaise for added flavor. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or some crusty bread. This dish also complements the flavors found in Old World Sauerbraten.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the beef and vegetables in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of the cooking liquid to maintain moisture. This will help preserve the flavors and texture of the dish.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Vienna Boiled Beef(Weiner Tafelspitz) contains roughly 1397 calories, with 54g protein, 296g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (347% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1784mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).

1397 kcal 70% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 53.8g 100% DV
Total Fat 12.6g 16% DV
Carbs 296.1g 100% DV
Fiber 97.2g 100% DV
Sugar 133.2g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1784mg 78% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV
Cholesterol 33.5mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3000mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 126.3mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 835.4mg 64% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, while brisket is traditional, you can also use chuck roast or even round roast. Keep in mind that different cuts may require slight adjustments in cooking time due to variations in tenderness and fat content.

What can I do with the leftover cooking liquid?

The leftover cooking liquid is flavorful and can be used as a base for soups or sauces. Strain it and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage, making it a great addition to future beef recipes.

How can I make this dish more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or dill to the cooking water. You can also include other root vegetables such as parsnips or turnips for added depth. A splash of white wine or vinegar can also elevate the dish, balancing the rich flavors of the beef.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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