HOW TO PREPARE EINTOPF.

Eintopf is a traditional German stew that literally means “one pot.” As with many traditional dishes, there are countless variations, but most Eintopfs include a combination of meat, sausages, vegetables, and sometimes potatoes or legumes. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:
300g beef or pork, cubed
200g sausages (e.g., bratwurst or frankfurters), sliced
2-3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 leek, cleaned and sliced
1 onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
1 liter (4 cups) beef or chicken broth
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp oil or butter
Optional: Parsley, finely chopped for garnish
Optional: 1 can (400g) of white beans or green peas
Instructions:
Sear Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil or butter over medium heat. Add the beef or pork cubes and sauté until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add a bit more oil or butter if necessary. Add the onions and sauté until translucent. Add the garlic, carrots, celery, and leek and sauté for a few more minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Add Meat and Broth: Return the seared meat to the pot. Add the broth, bay leaves, potatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the meat and vegetables are tender. If you’re using beans or peas, add them about 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time.

Add Sausages: About 10-15 minutes before serving, add the sliced sausages to the pot so they can warm up and infuse the stew with their flavor.

Serve: Once everything is cooked and heated through, check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. Remove the bay leaves. Serve the Eintopf in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Note: Eintopf is versatile. You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have available or prefer. For example, you can add green beans, bell peppers, or cabbage. Similarly, you can substitute the meat with chicken or even make a vegetarian version.

Enjoy your meal with some crusty bread on the side!