Sometimes it’s also made with venison or lamb. Originally the dish was most commonly made with horse and there are a few restaurants that still serve it, but today it’s primarily made with beef. Saint Albert the Great of Cologne was later credited with having popularized the recipe in the 13th century. The origin of Sauerbraten has been ascribed to Julius Caesar who is documented as having sent beef marinated in wine all the way from Rome to the new Roman colony of Cologne. The addition of ginger snaps also serves to thicken the gravy. There is always the addition of a sweet ingredient to balance the acidity and sourness of the sauce and some regions do this by adding ginger snap cookies, raisins, sugar, honey or sugar beet syrup (or often a combination of them) to achieve that balance. Some regions use just vinegar, some just wine and others use a combination of both, which is the most common. Sauerbraten recipes vary by region, each adding their own touches. Wherever we went it was made a little differently, but always delicious. It was also a dish we loved to order at restaurants. Both my German mother and my Oma would make it served with Rotkohl, Knödle and potatoes, sometimes Spätzle, and it was a memorable feast every time. Growing up in southern Germany until my mid-20’s, Sauerbraten was a dish I always looked forward to. One of Germany’s national dishes, this authentic German Sauerbraten is marinated, cooked until tender, and served with a wonderfully rich and flavorful sweet-tangy gravy! Serve it with homemade Rotkohl and potatoes, Knödel or Spätzle and you’re all set for a memorable feast!

Eleanor korovrat sauerbraten recipe