Sauerbraten

Ingredients:

• 1 cut of beef neck weighing 1.3 - 1.8 kg, boneless
• 3 cups lightly salted beef broth
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 1 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 large onions, cut into pieces
• 5 cloves garlic; 3 crushed, 2 chopped
• 10 sprigs fresh thyme + 1 tbsp extra chopped leaves
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon juniper berries (available in spice aisles)
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 0.5 tsp whole cloves
• 2 tbsp. l. olive oil
• 2 medium carrots, cut into 2.5cm pieces.
• 2 stalks celery, cut into 2.5cm pieces.
• 2 tbsp. flour
• 2 tbsp crushed gingersnaps
• Spaetzle, for serving
• Sour cream, for serving (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Preparation:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of broth, wine, vinegar, 1 chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme sprigs, bay leaf, juniper berries, peppercorns, and cloves and heat over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Place the beef in a large zip-lock plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 2-3 days, turning it daily.
2. Preheat oven to 175°C.
3. Remove the meat from the marinade and pat dry; season with salt. Strain the marinade, discarding any solids. Heat a large ovenproof saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the meat and brown on all sides for 10-12 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
4. Add the carrots, celery, and remaining onion to the pan and cook until slightly softened, 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and thyme and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle with flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the strained marinade and the remaining 1 cup of broth and bring to a simmer. Return the meat to the pan, cover, and bake in the oven until tender, about 2.5 hours.
5. Remove the meat and transfer to a plate. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the crushed gingersnaps and cook until thickened, season with salt and pepper to taste. Slice the meat thinly; serve with spaetzle, vegetables and sauce, adding sour cream if desired. Sprinkle with parsley.