Gaisburger Marsch (Stew)
Cuisine: German Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Beef
500 grams (500)
Onions
2 medium (200)
Carrots
2 medium (200)
Leek
1 small (100)
Celery Root
1 small (200)
Parsley Root
1 small (100)
Potatoes
4 medium (800)
Beef Broth
1 liter (1000)
Vinegar
4 tablespoons (60)
Salt
1 teaspoon (6)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (6)
Butter
50 grams (50)
Flour
50 grams (50)
Parsley
2 tablespoons (30)
Totals
116 oz
(3,302 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Beef
250
Onions
40
Carrots
25
Celery
15
Leek
20
Potatoes
150
Parsley
5
Vinegar
5
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Nutmeg
5
Butter
100
Flour
50
Beef Broth
20
Egg Noodles
200
Swabian Noodles
200
Sour Cream
100
Chives
2
Totals
1,187 kcal
Steps
Step 1: Soak the beef shank overnight in cold water to remove any excess blood.
Step 2: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the soaked beef shank. Cook for about 2 hours on medium heat until the meat is tender.
Step 3: In the meantime, peel and chop the onions, carrots, and leek into small pieces.
Step 4: Once the beef shank is tender, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool. Keep the beef broth in the pot.
Step 5: In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and leek until they become translucent and slightly browned.
Step 6: While the vegetables are cooking, cut the cooled beef shank into bite-sized pieces, discarding any excess fat or bones.
Step 7: Add the beef pieces to the pan with the sautéed vegetables and mix well.
Step 8: Sprinkle flour over the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring constantly to coat everything evenly.
Step 9: Gradually pour the beef broth from the pot into the pan, stirring continuously to create a thick gravy-like consistency.
Step 10: Add salt, pepper, and marjoram to taste, and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 11: In a separate pot, cook the Spätzle (a type of German egg noodle) according to the package instructions or prepare homemade Spätzle.
Step 12: Once the Spätzle is cooked, drain it and add it to the stew mixture. Gently fold the Spätzle into the stew, ensuring they are well-coated with the gravy.
Step 13: Let the Gaisburger Marsch simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 14: Serve the Gaisburger Marsch hot in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Gaisburger Marsch, a traditional German stew!
Substitutions
- Beef broth: Substitute with vegetable broth or chicken broth. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
- Beef chuck roast: Substitute with beef stew meat or beef sirloin. Adjust the cooking time if using a different cut of meat.
- Onion: Substitute with shallots or leeks. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
- Carrots: Substitute with parsnips or turnips. Adjust the cooking time if using a different vegetable.
- Celery: Substitute with fennel or celeriac. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
- Leek: Substitute with green onions or chives. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
- Bay leaves: Substitute with dried thyme or dried rosemary. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust according to personal taste preferences.
- Egg noodles: Substitute with any type of pasta or rice. Cook according to the package instructions.
- Parsley: Substitute with fresh cilantro or dill. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
Note: These substitutions and alterations are suggestions and may slightly alter the taste and texture of the final dish. Adjustments in cooking time and seasoning may be required based on personal preference.
Pairings
- Pretzels
- German rye bread
- Pickles
- Sauerkraut
- Mustard
- Horseradish
- Riesling wine
- German beer, such as Märzen or Schwarzbier
- Apple strudel or Black Forest cake for dessert
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish the stew with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a vibrant pop of color.
- Serve the stew in individual bowls, topped with a swirl of sour cream or crème fraîche for an elegant touch.
- Sprinkle some crispy fried onions on top of the stew for added texture and visual appeal.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a variety of root vegetables like parsnips or celeriac to the stew for added depth and complexity.
- Incorporate a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to enhance the richness of the broth.
- For a smoky flavor, consider adding a small amount of smoked paprika or bacon.
3. Elevate with luxurious ingredients:
- Replace regular beef with premium cuts like tenderloin or ribeye for a more indulgent experience.
- Include wild mushrooms such as chanterelles or morel mushrooms to bring an earthy and luxurious element to the stew.
- Finish the dish with a drizzle of truffle oil for a touch of decadence and an aromatic boost.
Diet Restrictions
1. Reduce the amount of beef: Replace some of the beef with leaner protein sources like chicken breast or tofu to lower the saturated fat content.
2. Increase vegetable content: Add more vegetables such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers to boost the fiber and nutrient content of the stew.
3. Use whole grain noodles: Substitute traditional egg noodles with whole grain options to increase the fiber and complex carbohydrates in the dish.
4. Limit salt: Reduce the amount of salt added to the stew or use low-sodium broth to accommodate individuals with high blood pressure or sodium restrictions.
5. Opt for low-fat broth: Use a low-fat or homemade broth instead of high-fat options to reduce the overall fat content of the stew.
6. Remove the skin: If using chicken, remove the skin to reduce the saturated fat content and make it more heart-healthy.
7. Consider gluten-free options: Use gluten-free noodles or alternative grains like quinoa or rice for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
8. Control portion sizes: Serve smaller portions of the stew to manage calorie intake for those watching their weight or trying to maintain a specific calorie goal.
9. Customize spices: Adjust the spices according to personal preferences and dietary restrictions, such as avoiding spicy ingredients for individuals with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux.
10. Include herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to enhance the flavor without relying heavily on salt or unhealthy seasonings.
Healthy Choices
- Use lean cuts of beef or substitute with skinless chicken breast to reduce saturated fat content.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the stew, such as carrots, celery, and onions, for added vitamins and fiber.
- Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes or cauliflower to reduce the glycemic load and increase nutrient density.
- Use low-sodium beef or vegetable broth to decrease sodium content.
- Trim excess fat from the meat before cooking to reduce calorie and saturated fat intake.
- Instead of using traditional egg noodles, opt for whole grain or gluten-free noodles for added fiber and nutrients.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme instead of relying solely on salt for flavor.
- Decrease the amount of butter or oil used for sautéing vegetables by using non-stick cooking spray or water instead.
- Opt for homemade or low-sodium Worcestershire sauce to control the amount of added sugar and sodium.
- Serve smaller portion sizes and pair the stew with a side salad or steamed vegetables to increase overall nutrient intake.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-cut stewing beef or beef cubes to save time on cutting and trimming meat.
2. Opt for store-bought beef broth instead of making it from scratch to save time and effort.
3. Replace the traditional homemade spaetzle with store-bought egg noodles for a quicker alternative.
4. Consider using a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time significantly while still achieving tender meat.
5. Substitute expensive cuts of beef with more affordable options like chuck or stewing beef without compromising taste.
6. Use frozen or canned vegetables instead of fresh ones to save time on preparation.
7. Make a larger batch of Gaisburger Marsch and freeze individual portions for future use, saving both time and money.
8. Replace expensive garnishes like fresh herbs with dried herbs or spices to reduce costs.
9. Consider using vegetable oil instead of butter for browning the meat to save money.
10. Experiment with adding other affordable ingredients like mushrooms or beans to bulk up the stew without sacrificing flavor.