Savory and Succulent Filettopf: Your Ultimate Guide to German's Best Kept Secret Recipe

Filettopf originated in the kitchens of Germany and has been a beloved dish for generations. This hearty meat stew, often cooked with tender chunks of pork or beef, is a perfect companion for the colder months, bringing warmth and comfort with every mouthful. It is traditionally slow-cooked, allowing the flavours of the meat and vegetables to infuse the gravy, making it a savory and flavorful meal to remember.

Ingredients:

500 grams of pork or beef fillet
3 tablespoons of sunflower oil
2 medium onions, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
500 grams of mixed vegetables such as carrots, celery and leeks
1 litre of beef or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of paprika
2 tablespoons of cornstarch, to thicken

Preparation:

Prepare the Base: Start by heating up the sunflower oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cut the pork or beef fillet into cubes and sear them in the pot until they have a nice brown color on all sides. Once seared, remove the meat from the pot and set them aside. In the same pot, add in the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent. Next, add the mixed vegetables and cooked them for a few minutes until they soften. Add the tomato paste, salt, pepper and paprika, mixing them well with the vegetables. Return the meat to the pot and stir well to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly.
Cook the Stew: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, making sure that all the ingredients are submerged. Bring the stew to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 1-2 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and the flavors to develop. If you feel that the gravy needs thickening, mix the cornstarch with a little water to form a slurry, then stir it into the stew. Continue simmering until the desired thickness is achieved.
Serve and Garnish: Filettopf is great served over mashed potatoes or rice, but you can also enjoy it alone with some crusty bread on the side to sop up the flavorful broth. Garnish with some fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, before serving. Enjoy your delicious, homemade German stew.

Tip:

For an even more flavorful Filettopf, consider using a slow-cooker or a Dutch oven. This method of slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together over time, resulting in a richer, more complex taste. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly as slow-cooking methods will take longer than traditional methods.