Photo of Svíčková na smetaně

Svíčková na smetaně

4 servings
medium

A classic Czech dish featuring marinated beef in a creamy vegetable sauce, served with bread dumplings.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 2 medium carrots
  • 2 medium celery stalks
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 leaves bay leaves
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 5 berries allspice berries
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons parsley
  • 4 pieces bread dumplings

Send ingredients to your shopping list

Get App

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine the beef chuck roast with white vinegar, salt, black pepper, and allspice berries. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

  2. 2

    Remove the beef from the marinade and pat dry. Reserve the marinade for later use.

  3. 3

    In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.

  4. 4

    In the same pot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add the reserved marinade, bay leaves, and sugar to the pot. Stir to combine.

  6. 6

    Return the seared beef to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2-2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.

  7. 7

    Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and let it rest. Discard the bay leaves.

  8. 8

    Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the vegetable sauce until smooth. Return to the pot over low heat.

  9. 9

    Stir in the heavy cream and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

  10. 10

    Slice the beef against the grain and serve it with the creamy sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley.

  11. 11

    Serve with cooked bread dumplings on the side.

Try step-by-step Cook Mode in the app

Get App
Ohh Foodies

Get the full experience

Cook, plan, and shop — all in one app.

  • 🍳Step-by-step Cook Mode
  • 🛒Smart Shopping Lists
  • 🍽️Discover Community Recipes
  • 💾Save & Organize Recipes
Download on the
App Store