Boiled beef topside – The classic from South Tyrol and Austria

Calories, Effort & Difficulty Level

• Calories per serving (for 6 servings): approx. 450 kcal
• Preparation time: approx. 40 minutes
• Total time: approx. 3 hours
• Difficulty level: Easy to Medium

Ingredients

For the Tafelspitz:

• 1.5 kg Boiled beef (from the beef hip, with a fat cap)
• 3 l water
• 2 onions (halved, with skin)
• 2 carrots (in large pieces)
• 1 piece of celeriac (approx. 150 g, in large pieces)
• 1 leek stalk (sliced into rings)
• 1 parsley root (in large pieces)
• 3 bay leaves
• 5 peppercorns
• 1 clove
• 2 tsp salt

For the side dishes:

• 500 g potatoes (floury, peeled)
• 200 g leaf spinach
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 pinch of nutmeg
• South Tyrolean apple horseradish or chive sauce

Preparation

1. Prepare the broth

1. Bring water to a boil in a large pot.
2. Roast the onions cut side down in a non-stick pan without fat until they are lightly browned.
3. Add onions, carrots, celeriac, leek, parsley root, bay leaves, peppercorns, clove, and salt to the boiling water.

2. Cook the Tafelspitz

1. Rinse the Boiled beef under running water and place it in the hot, non-boiling water.
2. Reduce the pot to medium heat so that the broth only simmers lightly (does not boil).
3. Cook the Tafelspitz for 2.5 to 3 hours. Regularly skim off the rising foam to keep the broth clear.

3. Prepare potatoes and spinach

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until soft, drain and mash. Refine with butter, salt, and a pinch of nutmeg.
2. Sauté the leaf spinach in a little butter and season with salt and nutmeg.

4. Carve and serve the Tafelspitz

1. Remove the cooked Boiled beef from the broth and slice it thinly across the grain.
2. Strain the broth through a fine sieve and serve as a soup or use as a sauce.
3. Plate the Tafelspitz with the side dishes and a classic chive sauce or South Tyrolean apple horseradish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Boiled beef

1. High-quality meat:
   Tafelspitz from the hip with a layer of fat remains particularly juicy and tender when cooked. It is best to use meat from South Tyrolean or regional farming.
2. Clear water:
   Use cold water to start if you want an intense broth, or hot water to preserve the meat flavor.
3. Chive sauce:
   Mix 200 g sour cream, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, and finely chopped chives. Season with salt, pepper, and a little lemon juice.
4. Even cooking:
   Make sure the water does not boil vigorously but only simmers lightly – this keeps the meat particularly tender.
5. More flavor:
   The broth can be additionally flavored with a small clove of garlic or a sprig of fresh thyme.

Product Knowledge: Ingredients in Focus

Tafelspitz

• Characteristics: Tafelspitz is a cut from the hip of the beef. The thin layer of fat ensures juiciness and aroma when cooking.
• Regional tip: In South Tyrol, high-quality beef from local farming is often used, which is appreciated for its intense flavor.

Root vegetables

• Function: Carrots, celeriac, leek, and parsley root give the broth a strong, aromatic base.
• Tip: Briefly roast the vegetables in the pan to develop additional roasted aromas.

Side dishes

• Potatoes and spinach: These classic side dishes perfectly complement the tender meat and hearty broth.
• South Tyrolean apple horseradish: A combination of grated horseradish and fresh apples – refreshing and spicy at the same time.

What can go wrong – and how to fix it?

1. Meat becomes tough:

   • Cause: The broth has boiled too vigorously.
   • Solution: Let the water simmer lightly so that the meat cooks slowly.

2. Broth is cloudy:

   • Cause: Foam was not regularly skimmed off.
   • Solution: Strain the broth through a fine sieve or cloth.

3. Meat is too salty:

   • Cause: Too much salt in the broth.
   • Solution: Dilute with additional water and bring to a boil again.

Why love this recipe?

Boiled beef is a classic of Austrian and South Tyrolean cuisine, impressing with its simplicity and sophistication. Tender meat, an aromatic broth, and traditional side dishes make this dish a true feast that is still easy to prepare.

Interactive Conclusion

Have you tried the recipe? What vegetables or sauce did you use? Share your experiences and tips in the comments – our cooking expert is happy to assist you!