Germans enjoy rich and heavy home-cooked meals keeping meat at the center of most meals, however, each area of Germany has its own definition of their traditional food. The cuisine is tasty, unique, and when you think meat you think Germany. They serve meat at every midday meal including evening meals and often at breakfast.
Let’s have a look at popular German meat dishes in Germany
Sauerbraten (Roast Beef Stew):
Germans love for meat dishes made Sauerbraten one of the country’s national dishes. This German pot roast is a delicious stew of tender beef marinated in wine, vinegar, spices, herbs for days, or even weeks. This also involves the pickling of the meat in a sweet and sour gravy, finally cooked into a dish. It usually comes with red cabbage and potato dumplings.
Schweinshaxe (Pork Knuckle):
This German cuisine is made from the end of the pig’s leg, just above the ankle. This peasant food includes inexpensive cuts of meat which usually take a long time to cook. The meat is marinated for days or weeks and roasted at low temperatures for long hours. Traditionally, these pork knuckles are served with mashed potatoes or red cabbage.
Eintopf:
This German stew is made in a pot using a large number of ingredients. Remember the old school saying: don’t waste food, this cuisine exactly comprehends. There is no particular recipe or restriction of ingredients. The German love for meat is undeniable and they include different varieties like beef, pork, or chicken.
Rouladen (Beef Roll):
To make this roll thin strips of meat are rolled around bacon, onion, pickle, and mustard. Originally pork was used to make this roll although now beef is widely in use, also chicken makes it taste great. These are also filled with a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, cheese, and other meat browned and slow simmered in a rich gravy with red wine to get a dark rich flavor. It is served with bread dumplings and pickled red cabbage.
Schnitzel (Breaded Cutlet):
Traditional German schnitzel is made with pork, the technique of breading and frying thin cuts of meat. This is a popular Austrian dish. The cutlet is coated in bread crumbs with cheese and ham sandwich. It is served with spatzel and gravy, pommel, or potato salad. When served plain, it is garnished with parsley and slice of lemon.
Kassler:
Traditionally Kassler is made with cured and smoked pork, so easy and quick to make. The challenge is identifying the right piece of cut. Pork neck and lions are often used, however ribs, shoulders and bellies can also be used. It is pan-fried, grilled, added to soups and stews. It is a delicious combination with cabbage dishes and with cold German beer.
Laberkase (Meat Loaf):
This is a type of meatloaf made from pork. This is the most popular cuisine in South Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This German-style meatloaf is made by grinding beef, pork, bacon with a rich flavor containing onion powder and coriander. You can eat it warm or cold, also you and slice it and fry. This appetizing meatloaf is widely served as a snack with bread and mustard.
Hesenpfeffer:
This German stew is conventionally marinated for days or weeks with rabbit or hare in wine, vinegar, and lots of spices. Bite sized parts of the rabbit are roasted and braised with onions. It is then highly seasoned with herbs, juniper, black pepper, and cloves. It goes well with potato dumplings, noodles, and vegetables.
Labskaus:
Soaked beef is boiled in water then combined with beetroot, gherkins, and onions. This mixture is steamed and mixed with mashed potatoes. Its bright red comes from beetroot juice, stew seasoned with pepper and salt, and serves best with rollmops and fried eggs.
Spaetzle:
Spatzle is basically condensed egg noodles dumpling made from flour, salt, white pepper, and nutmeg. Eggs were added to the mixture and made into dough. Spaetzle can be made ahead and stored for a couple of days and reheated. Toss them in some melted butter and its delicious. It is served with creamy sauce, mushrooms, onions, cheese, and potatoes.
Let us know if you have tried these German meat dishes in the comments. Make sure to follow our facebook page to keep up to date with the latest information
