Tafelspitz is boiled beef in broth, Viennese style and is a typical Austrian dish. The beef is simmered along with root vegetables and spices in the broth. It is usually served with roasted slices of potato and a mix of minced apples and horseradish or sour cream mixed with horseradish. Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria, was a great lover of Tafelspitz. According to the 1912 official cookery textbook used in domestic science schools of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, “His Majesty’s private table is never without a fine piece of boiled beef, which is one of his favorite dishes.” Tafelspitz is considered to be the national dish of Austria.
This is so much better when made with cabbage and potatoes straight from the ground. Most people I know use just a couple of tablespoons of spicy or hot sweet mustard, but I just use regular yellow mustard (and more of it) due to personal preference. I also use a lower fat pork & alligator sausage from Winn-Dixie that might not be available everywhere. I’m sure it would work with any kind.
My 3 friends and I tried a lot of different dishes when travelling in Austria. Our policy was to always order something different – and never the same dish twice. This is a tasty meat and potato stew. I do forego the ‘pastry lid’ as I have a pretty good oven casserole dish and little steam escapes.
I have a friend in Duxbury, MA, who used to describe herself as the “hamburger queen.” This recipe was concocted for her to show her that ground meat can not only be truly tasty, but also elegant, exotic and fit for company… This recipe is Bohemian in origin. You may substitute commercial puff pastry, if desired, although it will change the texture and make the results much heavier. Fussing with the phyllo is worth the time and effort.
Make and share this Chicken Paillard recipe from Food.com.
