...

Tafelspitz

Tafelspitz - Austrian National Food

Tafelspitz, a classic Austrian cuisine with simplicity yet elegance, is among the most well-known meals in Vienna. Prime beef simmered in a broth with aromatic ingredients makes Tafelspitz, a potpourri of flavors and textures, Usually cut from the hind leg, the slow-cooked beef highlights Austria’s passion for premium meats and exacting cooking techniques.

A Tafelspitz’s secret is not only the meat choice but also the careful ingredient coordination. Vegetables, herbs, and spices injected into the broth provide a subdued depth of taste. Thinly sliced beef is presented with a trio of classic accompaniments: creamed spinach (Rahmspinat), horseradish sauce (Apfelkren), and rösti, a Swiss-style potato pancake. .

Tafelspitz embodies a gastronomic philosophy that reminds one of a time when basic but premium ingredients took front stage. It honors the respect Austrians have for their gastronomic legacy and captures the core of classic cooking. Renowned restaurants in Vienna such as Plachutta and Vestibül present this cuisine in an old-world elegance.

Celebrated as a symbol of Austrian cuisine, tafelspitz is becoming well-known worldwide. It captures the core of “Gemütlichkeit,” a word used in Austrian society to convey warmth and coziness strongly rooted in Stories are shared and memories are created, thus the meal is meant to be savored gradually among friends and family.

Viena’s Tafelspitz is not limited to Vienna; variations abound in all of Austria and Germany, each with their own special spin. A variation on Tafelspitz, Styria’s roasted root vegetables give the meal a rustic element.

Tafelspitz
Print

Tafelspitz

Recipe by Travel S HelperCourse: MainCuisine: AustrianDifficulty: Medium
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

2

hours 

30

minutes
Calories

560

kcal

Tafelspitz is a classic Austrian dish recognized for its soothing flavors and elegant simplicity. Considered as Emperor Franz Joseph I's preferred meal, it has been a pillar of Austrian cuisine for ages. Serving with a medley of accompaniments including creamy spinach, chive sauce, and apple-horseradish sauce, Tafelspitz captures the elegance and heartiness of Austrian cooking. Boil 2 pounds of beef rump or topside, 2.5 quarts of water, 2 teaspoon salt, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 1 leek, 1 celery root, 2 cloves garlic, 6–8 black peppercorns, 2 bay leaves, and a handful of fresh parsley to make Tafelspitz. Combining sour cream, grated horseradish, apple, lemon juice, chives, cooked spinach, boiled potatoes or bread dumplings will provide the accompaniments. Cook the beef for 2.5 hours, being sure it stays tender and submerged. Get ready the sauces: chives and apple-horseradish sauce. Present the Tafelspitz alongside the cooked sauces, warm broth, boiled potatoes or bread dumplings. Use Austrian Marrow Bones in the broth for toast to bring even more authenticity. Usually serving as a complete meal, tafelspitz is accompanied by sautéed vegetables or cream spinach.

Ingredients

  • For the Tafelspitz

  • 2 pounds (900 g) beef rump or topside (preferably Tafelspitz cut)

  • 2.5 quarts (2.5 liters) water

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • 1 onion, halved (charred on the cut side for added flavor)

  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced

  • 1 leek, cleaned and sliced

  • 1 celery root, peeled and diced

  • 2 cloves garlic

  • 6-8 black peppercorns

  • 2 bay leaves

  • A handful of fresh parsley

  • For the Accompaniments

  • 1 cup (250 ml) sour cream

  • 2 tablespoons grated horseradish

  • 1 apple, finely grated

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

  • 2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped

  • Creamed spinach (optional)

  • Boiled potatoes or bread dumplings (optional)

Directions

  • In a large stockpot, bring the water and salt to a boil. Add the charred onion halves, carrots, leek, celery root, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, and parsley.
  • Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and add the beef. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface to ensure a clear broth.
  • Allow the beef to simmer gently for about 2.5 hours, ensuring it remains submerged. The meat should be tender enough to cut easily with a knife but not falling apart.
  • Apple-Horseradish Sauce: In a bowl, mix sour cream, grated horseradish, grated apple, and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Chive Sauce: Simply stir the chopped chives into sour cream or crème fraîche.
  • Remove the beef from the broth and slice it against the grain.
  • Serve with the warm broth, boiled potatoes or bread dumplings, and the prepared sauces.

Notes

  • For added authenticity, use Austrian Marrow Bones in the broth, which can be served as a starter spread on toast.
  • Tafelspitz is often enjoyed with a side of creamed spinach or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Leftover broth can be used for soups or as a base for other recipes.
Austrian National Food - World Of Food
World Of Food

Austrian National Food

Explore Austria's rich culinary heritage with iconic dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Apfelstrudel, and Sachertorte. Dive into the flavors that define Austrian cuisine and its timeless traditions.

Read More
Most Popular Foods In Austria
Wiener Schnitzel

Wiener Schnitzel epitomizes the essence of Austrian cuisine. Renowned for its soft veal inside and crispy, golden crust, this meal really captures Austria's gastronomic past.…

Wiener Schnitzel - Austrian National Food
Brettljause

A beloved meal from Austria, Brettljause is a rustic, filling snack platter ideal for a laid-back get-together or a comforting dinner. Usually presented as a…

Brettljause - Austrian National Food
Käsespätzle

Made with soft, homemade egg noodles (Spätzle) and piled with melted cheese, Käsespätzle, a hearty and mouthwatering Austrian dish, is sometimes referred to as the…

Käsespätzle - Austrian National Food
Kaiserschmarrn

Considered a delicacy in Austria and other former Austro-Hungarian Empire, Kaiserschmarrn is a sumptuous and lavish gastronomic creation distinguished by its interesting historical background and…

Kaiserschmarrn - Austrian National Food
Kaspressknödel

Kaspressknödel, a cherished traditional dish, represents Austria's contribution to comfort food, ideal for warming both the body and spirit on cold alpine days. These savory…

Kaspressknödel - Austrian National Food
Travel S Helper: Your Compass to Extraordinary Journeys!
Latest Stories

© All Rights Reserved. By Travel S Helper