How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, after searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer them to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

What if I can't find kvass?

Substitute with a mix of cola and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a similar sweet-tangy flavor.

Can I prepare the horseradish cream in advance?

Yes, it can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to this dish?

Try braising mushrooms or hearty vegetables like eggplant in the kvass marinade for a vegetarian version.

Russian Kvass-Braised Beef with Horseradish Cream

Name: Russian Kvass-Braised Beef with Horseradish Cream
Prep time: 4 h
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups kvass; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 3 bay leaves; 4 whole cloves; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 3 pounds beef chuck; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 large onions; 3 carrots; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 cup sour cream; 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt to taste; Fresh dill; 1 loaf dark rye bread

A Hearty Russian Classic

Tender beef slow-braised in kvass, a traditional Russian fermented beverage, paired with a spicy horseradish cream for an irresistible blend of flavors.

4 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Marinade

2 ½ cups kvass

preferably homemade

2 tablespoons brown sugar

3 bay leaves

4 whole cloves

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Beef

3 pounds beef chuck

cut into large chunks

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 large onions

sliced

3 carrots

sliced

1 tablespoon tomato paste

For the Horseradish Cream

1 cup sour cream

3 tablespoons prepared horseradish

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt to taste

For Serving

Fresh dill

chopped

1 loaf dark rye bread

sliced

Preparation

Marinating the Beef

Combine ingredients

Combine kvass, brown sugar, bay leaves, cloves, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

Add beef

Add beef chunks, ensuring they're submerged.

Refrigerate

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Preparing the Horseradish Cream

Mix ingredients

Mix sour cream, horseradish, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl.

Adjust seasoning

Adjust seasoning to taste.

Chill

Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Cooking Process

Searing the Beef

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown beef on all sides.

Ensure the beef is evenly browned to develop maximum flavor.

Building the Base

Remove meat, then sauté onions and carrots in the same pot until soft. Add tomato paste and cook for another minute.

Reserve the marinade to enhance the braising liquid's flavor.

Braising

Return beef to the pot. Pour reserved marinade over it. Cover and simmer on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, until beef is tender.

Plating & Serving