German Beef "Pot Roast" with Raisins

To make an easy side dish, buy a German brand of potato dumpling mix or some German spätzle.

Ingredients:

3 cups red wine vinegar
2 cups water
1 tablespoon salt
Pinch allspice
Pinch cinnamon
Pinch cloves, ground or whole
1 bay leaf
4 pounds tri-tip beef roast, about 2 medium pieces of meat
1/2 white onion, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 carrot, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 stalk celery, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups red wine
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup raisins

Preparation:

First, make marinade: Combine vinegar, water, salt, allspice, cinnamon, cloves and bay leaf in a large metal roasting pan. Add beef, onion, carrot and celery. If the liquid doesn't cover all the meat, add more vinegar. Cover tightly with plastic and marinate, refrigerated, for 4 to 5 days.

Remove meat from marinade. Strain marinade and return it to the pan, reserving vegetables. Place pan over two burners and bring to a boil; skim off any oil that floats to the top.

Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Brown meat on all sides over high heat. Remove and set aside. Brown vegetables over medium-high heat. Add tomato paste and lower heat to medium; stir and cook until very dark and caramelized, but don't let it smoke. Add a cup of water and loosen the caramelized tomato paste from the bottom of the pan.

Cook the liquid over medium heat, stirring, until it reduces to a sauce. Repeat 3 to 4 more times. (It's a long process, but it's worth it!) Dust pan with flour and stir.

Replace meat in pan. Add red wine and water to cover. Bring to a simmer; turn heat to medium-low and let simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until meat shreds. Remove meat, place on a platter, cover with foil and place in a warm oven. To finish sauce, push through a fine strainer, and reduce until desired thickness is achieved. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in raisins.