Suddervlees (Dutch Braised Beef)
Suddervlees, also known as Draadjesvlees, is a traditional Dutch slow-braised beef dish where tough cuts of beef are simmered for hours until they become incredibly tender and shreddable. It's a hearty comfort food, typically served with mashed potatoes and a side of red cabbage or apple sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Stewing beef (chuck roast or brisket)(cut into thick slices or chunks)
- 50 g Butter
- 3 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 1 liter Beef stock
- 3 Bay leaves
- 4 Whole cloves
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp Juniper berries(optional)
- 2 tbsp Vinegar (apple cider or red wine)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove the beef and set aside.
- 2
Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
- 3
Pour in the beef stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon stick, juniper berries (if using), and vinegar. Bring the liquid to a boil.
- 4
Return the browned beef to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for at least 3 to 4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds. Check periodically and add a little more stock or water if it looks too dry.
- 5
Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and set aside. If the sauce is too thin, increase the heat and simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce it to a gravy consistency. Remove and discard the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves.
- 6
Shred the beef with two forks and return it to the sauce. Stir to combine. Serve hot with mashed potatoes and your favorite side dish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓This dish benefits from slow cooking, so don't rush the process.
- ✓The flavor improves when made a day in advance and reheated.
- ✓Adjust the spices to your preference; some recipes include a hint of nutmeg or allspice.
🔄 Variations
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste with the onions for deeper flavor.
- Some recipes incorporate a splash of red wine or beer into the braising liquid.
- Serve with boiled potatoes, red cabbage with apples, or apple sauce.