Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tafelspitz?
Tafelspitz is a beloved Austrian dish, often regarded as the national culinary treasure, featuring tender boiled beef in a rich broth.
Which cut of beef is used for Classic Austrian Tafelspitz?
The recipe calls for 4 1/2 lbs of beef round rump roast, trimmed of sinew but with the fat left on.
How many calories are in a serving of Tafelspitz?
There are approximately 583 calories per serving of this dish.
What kind of bones are added to the broth?
The recipe uses 2 lbs of washed beef bones with marrow to enrich the flavor of the broth.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The aromatic vegetables include 3 carrots, 3 turnips or parsnips, 1 celeriac, and 1 browned onion.
How should the onion be prepared for the broth?
The onion should be halved and browned before being added to the cooking liquid.
What spices and herbs are used for seasoning?
The broth is flavored with 2 bay leaves, 10 black peppercorns, 2 juniper berries, and salt to taste.
How much protein is in this Tafelspitz recipe?
Each serving contains 58g of protein.
Is the fat removed from the beef roast?
No, while the sinew is trimmed, the fat is left on the beef round rump roast to enhance flavor.
What are the traditional side dishes for Tafelspitz?
It is traditionally served with crispy fried potatoes, chive sauce, and a zesty apple-horseradish sauce.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 7g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This Tafelspitz recipe contains 33g of fat per serving.
How much fiber does Tafelspitz provide?
The dish provides 2g of fiber per serving.
What garnish is typically used for the finished dish?
Chopped fresh chives are used to garnish the Tafelspitz before serving.
Is Tafelspitz considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a hearty and comforting meal, perfect for family dinners.
Can I use parsnips instead of turnips?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 3 turnips or 3 parsnips.
How should the vegetables be cut?
The carrots, turnips (or parsnips), and celeriac should be cut into large cubes.
What is the significance of cooking the meat slowly?
Slow cooking ensures the beef becomes tender and absorbs all the rich flavors of the broth and marrow bones.
When is Tafelspitz traditionally served in Austria?
It is a traditional Sunday family dinner dish in Austrian culture.
How many whole juniper berries are used?
The recipe specifies using 2 whole juniper berries.
What is celeriac?
Celeriac is a root vegetable used in this recipe to add depth and earthiness to the beef broth.
How many peppercorns are needed?
The recipe calls for 10 whole black peppercorns.
What is the total weight of the beef used?
The recipe uses 4.5 lbs of rump roast plus 2 lbs of marrow bones, totaling 6.5 lbs of beef components.
Is the onion added raw to the pot?
No, the onion is halved and browned first to contribute color and a deeper flavor to the broth.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, salt is added to taste for seasoning the meat and broth.
Are the bay leaves left in the final dish?
The recipe uses 2 whole bay leaves for flavoring, which are typically removed before serving.
What is the preparation for the marrow bones?
The marrow bones should be washed before being placed into the cooking pot.
How many carrots are required?
The recipe requires 3 carrots, cut into large cubes.
What makes the apple-horseradish sauce 'zesty'?
The combination of crisp apples and pungent horseradish provides a sharp, refreshing contrast to the rich boiled beef.
Is Tafelspitz a high-protein meal?
Yes, with 58g of protein per serving, it is a very high-protein dish.