Traditional Svíčková Recipe

Czech cuisine is known for its hearty and comforting dishes, and Svíčková stands as a shining example of the country’s culinary heritage. This traditional dish features tender beef sirloin, marinated in a creamy vegetable sauce enriched with aromatic herbs and spices. With its velvety texture and harmonious blend of flavors, Svíčková is a beloved favorite among Czech locals and visitors alike. Immerse yourself in the warm embrace of Bohemian flavors with our delightful Svíčková recipe, an invitation to savor the taste of the Czech Republic.

Ingredients:

• 800 grams beef sirloin
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 bay leaves
• 4 cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Cranberry sauce, for serving
• Bread dumplings or boiled potatoes, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
3. Sear the beef sirloin on all sides until browned. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.
4. In the same pot, add the chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté until the vegetables become tender and lightly golden.
5. Return the seared beef sirloin to the pot. Add the bay leaves, cloves, ground allspice, beef broth, and enough water to cover the meat.
6. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart.
7. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it rest. Strain the cooking liquid, reserving the vegetables and discarding the spices.
8. In a separate saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for a few minutes until lightly golden.
9. Gradually whisk in the strained cooking liquid, followed by the heavy cream and lemon juice.
10. Stir in the reserved cooked vegetables and simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens. Season with granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper to taste.
11. Slice the cooked beef sirloin into thin slices.
12. To serve, place a portion of sliced beef on a plate and ladle the creamy vegetable sauce over it.
13. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve Svíčková with bread dumplings or boiled potatoes. Accompany with a side of tangy cranberry sauce for a delightful contrast of flavors.